C-130 Hercules military aircraft support could face disruption

Around 250 Unite members at Marshall Aerospace in Cambridge are being balloted for strike action in a dispute over pay, Unite, the UK's leading union, said today.

The highly skilled engineers maintain C-130 Hercules aircraft and manufacture auxiliary fuel tanks for the Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, making a vital contribution to allied defence capability.

Workers have overwhelmingly rejected the company's 4.5 per cent pay offer. Since 2020, their pay has fallen by around 16 per cent in real terms when measured against RPI inflation.

The dispute comes as Marshall Group continues to benefit from the significant value being realised through the redevelopment of its Cambridge land holdings. At the same time, Marshall Aerospace remains an established and successful aerospace business.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Marshall Aerospace and the wider group can absolutely afford to put forward a better pay offer. That needs to happen now. Unite is providing total support to these workers in their demands for an acceptable pay increase."

In May, Marshall Land Systems, which shares the Cambridge site, announced it was relocating to Wales, affecting nearly 200 workers.

The future ownership of Marshall Aerospace also remains uncertain, with the company confirming it is pursuing a sale process. Workers have been told that operations at the Cambridge site are only guaranteed until mid-2029, but the company has not disclosed who any potential purchaser may be.

Unite regional officer Neil Moore said: "Quite frankly, Marshall Aerospace needs to treat these workers better if it doesn't want to see disruptive strike action and an exodus of highly skilled employees to companies offering better pay and greater job security.

"That means putting forward a pay offer that recognises the value of this workforce and gives people a reason to stay. Unite remains available for negotiations at any time, and there is still every opportunity to resolve this dispute through meaningful talks."

The ballot closes on 21 July. Should members vote in favour of industrial action, Unite will announce the next steps. Any strike action would have significant implications for support provided to allied military aircraft programmes, including the maintenance of C-130 Hercules aircraft.

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.