A long-running strike by Rolls-Royce workers has been suspended after a breakthrough in a dispute over jobs.
Members of the Unite union at the Rolls-Royce plant in Barnoldswick, have been taking industrial action since November in protest at plans to cut jobs and offshore work making aeroplane fan blades to Singapore.
The union said its members will now consider a 'landmark' deal it believes will save 350 jobs and give the site a bright future as the company’s centre of training and excellence.
Rolls-Royce Unite members 'still hopeful' of strike resolution but prepared to go on
Unite’s assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: “This workforce, their union and this community have battled long and hard for a brighter future and there is now very real hope of this on the horizon.
“For many of our members, this breakthrough will be an emotional time as the security that they can continue to provide for their families inches closer.
“We are suspending the strike action which has been under way at the site for eight weeks so that our members can look at the detail of the proposals and come to a decision when they meet next week.
“We are advising our members that this deal comes with the unanimous backing of the shop floor leadership, which is an overwhelming reflection of this union’s confidence in the proposals.
140 more jobs at risk at Rolls-Royce plant
“We look forward to resuming discussions with the members at the earliest possibility as we continue the work of securing a great future for this site so that it can continue to play its part in the successful rebuilding of UK manufacturing.”
The workforce will meet next week to decide whether to accept the deal.
A company spokesman said: “We are pleased to confirm that after many weeks of complex and constructive talks with Unite, they have today agreed to suspend the industrial action at our site in Barnoldswick while we finalise an agreement that demonstrates our commitment to the long-term future of the site.”
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