Strike action suspended at Cammell Laird shipyard
Strike action at the Cammell Laird shipyard has been suspended after talks took place between workers and bosses.
A strike ballot was held after it was announced 290 jobs were being axed at the Birkenhead shipyard.
However, following discussions between the trade unions and Cammell Laird, facilitated by Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, an agreement has been reached to suspend both current industrial action and the notice of redundancy.
The notices were due to be issued on Monday, December 10th, to 291 workers in the Birkenhead shipyard.
The agreement provides a four-week breathing space and paves the way for the establishment of a joint taskforce by the mayor to involve; Unite and the GMB trade unions, Cammell Laird, Merseyside local authorities and central government departments.
A joint statement said: “The agreement recognises the need for the yard to remain competitive in bidding for new and future work and all parties agree to work together to ensure this remains the case.
“The task-force will meet for the first time on Friday 7th December in an effort to formulate an action plan that secures the future for the yard and its workforce.
“All parties agree that Cammell Laird has a positive future and that short term measures are required to address immediate problems of work flow into the yard.
“The task-force will examine every opportunity to bring forward work scheduled for later in 2019 while seeking new work orders and financial assistance for a major up-skilling programme to ensure the skills necessary to compete in a highly competitive market are available from within the local community.
“All parties commit to working constructively and positively during this period to bring about a long-term solution to the current difficulties experienced and remain committed to working together to secure a positive future for a world class shipyard employing a highly skilled workforce from within the local community.”
