Tuesday, February 3, 2026 — Manchester Thousands of workers at defence contractor BAE Systems began strike action Tuesday in a dispute over pay, marking one of the most significant industrial stoppages in the sector in recent years.
Union representatives said more than 1,000 employees across facilities in northwest England walked out after negotiations with management failed to produce an agreement. The strike is scheduled to continue for several weeks unless progress is made.
“We do not take this action lightly,” a union spokesperson said outside the company’s manufacturing site. “Our members are skilled workers who have contributed significantly to the company’s success. They deserve a fair settlement that reflects rising living costs.”
BAE Systems, one of Britain’s largest defence employers, maintains that its pay offer is competitive and in line with industry standards. In a statement, the company said it remained committed to dialogue and hoped for a swift resolution.
The strike comes at a sensitive time for the UK’s defence industry, which has seen increased demand amid heightened global security concerns. Analysts warn that prolonged disruption could delay production schedules, though the company has contingency plans in place.
Local businesses expressed concern about the broader economic impact. “When a major employer faces disruption, it affects the whole community,” said a shop owner near the facility.
Industrial relations experts note that pay disputes have intensified across multiple sectors as workers seek to offset years of real-terms wage stagnation. While inflation has cooled compared with previous peaks, many households continue to feel financial strain.
Government officials have not intervened directly but have encouraged both sides to return to negotiations. “Constructive dialogue is essential,” a spokesperson for the Department for Business said.
For workers on the picket lines, the dispute is about more than wages. “It’s about respect and recognition,” one technician said. “We want to ensure our skills and dedication are valued.”
Talks are expected to resume later this week, though both sides appear entrenched. As the strike unfolds, its outcome may set a precedent for other negotiations in Britain’s strategically vital manufacturing sector.
