Aircraft workers' strike warning

Staff who voted for a strike include aircraft mechanics and refuellers

Civilian maintenance workers at RAF Valley have been warned that a planned strike could have serious consequences.

Around 300 workers have been sent letters from employer Babcock, saying it had been advised that unions planned an indefinite strike from next Friday.

The letter suggests that a stoppage could jeopardise a proposed Hawk aircraft service contract.

Last week, staff voted 91% in favour of rejecting the firm's 3% pay offer and to take industrial action.

Babcock said it was prepared to talk at any time but that a strike may make it necessary to close down all operations.

The company added that if would have no alternative but to take the cost of any strike into consideration.

This could mean the current pay offer being withdrawn and any future one pitched at a lower level to reflect the losses caused by a strike.

Company contract manager Roger Siswick urged workers to ensure union officials were aware of their views.

The T&G union has said servicing staff at RAF Valley on Anglesey are badly paid compared to others doing similar jobs in the private sector.

Union officials said they would ensure that the rescue helicopter could still operate from the base during any action.