Nick Chaffey, Southampton Socialist Party
Strike action continues at Eaton aerospace manufacturers in Fareham, Hampshire, after a new derisory offer of an extra 0.25% was rejected by Unite union stewards.
Anger and determination is growing among workers who are facing the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Over 100 attended the picket on Monday 23 September. Some grades take home £2,000 a month basic pay, which barely covers the necessities, forcing many into long hours of overtime.
Workers here were badly hit by the last three-year pay deal and made it clear to the company that a new three-year deal would not be accepted. Despite this, the company returned to negotiations with the same proposal!
Reflecting the anger, many walked out of a meeting organised to hear from the management in disgust at their attitude. Management had attempted to bully workers into accepting their deal, by exaggerating the losses in pay they were suffering due to the three days of strikes. “They must think we’re stupid, we’re not taking home £300 a day!”
Strikers report their action is having an impact on the company, which is under pressure from customers waiting to receive their materials. Unite reports that Eaton’s parent company made profits of €3.5 billion in 2023 and paid its directors nearly €60 million. The money is there and workers are determined to have their fair share. Further action is set for 27 and 30 September.
