- Strike at DES depot in Scotland threatens supply of British missiles to Ukraine
- GMB union warns crucial missiles will run out due to strike
- Ministry of Defence implements contingency measures, open to resolving issues
In a dispute over retention incentives, more than fifty GMB union members at the Defence Equipment and Support (DES) depot in Beith, North Ayrshire, are engaging in industrial action. This facility provides Ukraine with Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles.
A Scottish union warned that a strike could affect British missile deliveries to Ukrainian forces resisting the Russian invasion.
Over fifty DES depot workers in Beith, North Ayrshire, will strike over retention incentives on Monday.
It provides Ukraine with Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles.
The GMB union stated that this was the first strike in the history of the DES and warned that “crucial missiles” produced there “will soon run out.”
The MoD’s independent DES supplies equipment and support to the UK’s armed forces.
The Ministry of Defence said it has implemented “pre-planned contingency measures” and is open to a solution.
93% of GMB members at the depot voted for strike action, according to the union.
Chris Kennedy, GMB Scotland organizer, stated, “These workers are indispensable to the British armed forces; as such, they should be recognized.”
“Instead, management has permitted the development of a two-tier workforce, fostering bitterness and resentment among employees.
“Today’s strike is unprecedented in the annals of the DES; it cannot continue.
If the defence secretary doesn’t fix this, Beith-made missiles will run out.
Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Western nations have provided Ukraine with military assistance.
The UK gave Ukraine £2.3 billion in military aid in 2022 and will do so again in 2023. The UK has already provided over 10,000 anti-tank missiles, 100,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, over 100 anti-aircraft guns, and self-propelled artillery, and has trained over 15,000 Ukrainian recruits.
A spokesperson for the Department of Defence stated, “Pre-planned contingency measures are being implemented at Defence Munitions (DM) Beith to ensure the site’s continued operation.”
“We remain open to dialogue with GMB to discuss the issues raised and work towards resolving them.”
