Unite the Union Member SPS Technologies, Leicester
SPS Technologies makes parts for aerospace and the defence industry.
In January-February 2020 – the start of the pandemic – we were given notice that 200 people were to be made redundant and that our terms and conditions were to change. Effectively, fire and rehire.
In March-April 2021, we replied with an all-out strike. At the end of it, we were better off than if we hadn’t struck, but we are still worse off now than before 2021.
Since that strike, we have had two wage negotiations both for two-year deals, both ending with a ballot for all-out strike action. Both disputes were settled at the eleventh hour, when we were about to be pushed over the edge into the abyss of more unwanted industrial action.
What is it with employers, money-men, that make them treat you not as a person but as a commodity, an outlay, a consequential cost to them making even more money?
Both negotiations could have been settled months before, but they dragged on and on, damaging relationships both with management and work colleagues. All of the falling out with some of our workmates, all of the uncertainty for our future, all the anxiety of ‘what happens next’, could have been avoided.
Unions are democratic and we go with what the majority of members vote for. It’s not about division. If it is not the outcome the company wants then they should get back round the table and not let negotiations fester.
I work for a profitable aerospace company that is owned by one of the richest men in the world – Warren Buffet. Do they really have no idea?
“Everyone goes out on strike for different reasons,” we were told by management. “Some people want a two-week break, some people haven’t been on strike before and want to see what it’s like, some of you might have jobs to do at home!”
Yet, we all know the real reasons why we make a stand, together in solidarity. Who else do we have to help us through the cost-of-living crisis? Who else will better our terms and conditions? Who else will stand and fight in our corner? We have no one but ourselves.
We won a ballot for strike action this year and management came back with a better pay offer which the union recommend we accept. 65% voted for and 35% against. I think if we had held out we could have got more.