Leonardo workers kick off UK-wide strike action

13 Nov 2025 • 1:21 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Thousands of aerospace workers across the UK have launched strike action against defence company Leonardo.
  • The industrial action follows the rejection of a 3.6 per cent pay rise, which the Unite union branded "well below" inflation, despite Leonardo UK's consistent profits.
  • Picket lines formed in Edinburgh and other sites across Scotland and England, with workers successfully urging delivery drivers to turn away.
  • Unite regional officer Carrie Binnie stated it was the first walk-out at the company in 35 years and that members had "no other choice" due to the company's failure to meet demands.
  • Leonardo expressed disappointment that their revised pay offer was rejected and welcomed Unite back to the table for further negotiations, with strikes scheduled throughout November at various sites.

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