Strikes by 170 Tyneside workers employed by historic engineering firm British Engines have ended after Unite, the UK’s leading union, secured an improved pay deal.

Workers at three British Engines businesses – BEL Engineering in Newcastle and Rotary Power and Michell Bearings in South Shields – voted to accept the two-year pay deal.

The deal includes a 3.5 per cent pay increase backdated to December for BEL Engineering and Rotary Power workers. Michell Bearings workers will receive 3.5 per cent backdated to March and their pay anniversary will be moved from March until December. 

Workers at all the companies will receive a two per cent increase or the rate of inflation, whichever is higher, from January 2025, with all companies now sharing the same pay anniversary. Furthermore, Rotary Power workers will receive an additional 12 banked hours and three hours paid for hospital appointments per year.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “British Engines workers stood together in their union and won. Once again, Unite’s total focus on defending and improving jobs, pay and conditions is delivering real material benefits for our members.”

The pay deal is an improvement on the original offers where workers had been offered three per cent pay increases.

Unite regional officer Anna Lavery said: “This result shows the power of being in a union. Those looking to achieve enhanced wages and better working lives should join Unite and organise their colleagues to do the same.”

ENDS  

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065. 

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham