Hundreds of Cammell Laird workers ballot on strike action following suspensions

Birkenhead shipyard, Cammell Laird, is facing huge strike action after GMB Union members called for a ballot following the suspension of some of their colleagues.

The ballot will open on July 9, and will close on August 5, and includes the option to strike, bringing huge disruption to the yard if the hundreds of GMB members opt to take action.

The conflict arose after the union claimed several members were suspended by management.

It said Cammell Laird’s actions are “completely unacceptable” and will be “met with full opposition”.

Staff at the shipyard called for the industrial action ballot at a mass meeting outside the gates, in support of their fellow workers.

Trouble began when members of the RMT union – who were on strike in a separate dispute – picketed the gates of Cammell Laird.

Several workers, members of both GMB and Unite, stopped to talk to the pickets and were accused by the company of joining the picket and immediately suspended, said the GMB.

Albie McGuigan, GMB organiser, said: “Workers are understandably furious after their colleagues were suspended – despite having done nothing wrong.

“Cammell Laird’s actions are completely unacceptable and will be met with full opposition.”

The company faced industrial action last November when more than 400 staff, who belonged to the GMB and Unite the Union, were set to walk out on strike following a ballot over pay and conditions.

Cammell Laird declined to comment.