Workers supporting major shipbuilding operations on the Upper Clyde are set to begin strike action following a dispute over pay and longstanding concerns about wage inequality.

Employees of GXO Logistics, responsible for supplying tools, materials, and equipment to BAE Systems shipyards in Govan and Scotstoun, voted in favor of industrial action after rejecting a proposed three-year pay deal. Union members argued that the offer falls short of agreements secured by BAE Systems employees and fails to address a persistent pay gap between outsourced logistics staff and directly employed workers.

The strike is scheduled to take place over multiple days, with workers walking out at the Govan and Scotstoun shipyards before extending industrial action to BAE Systems supply hubs in Linwood, Renfrewshire, and Eurocentral, Lanarkshire.

Union representatives have warned that the action could disrupt shipbuilding activities, including work on HMS Glasgow, the first of eight Type 26 anti-submarine frigates being built for the Royal Navy.

The rejected pay proposal included a 3.5% wage increase in the first year, followed by 3% rises in each of the next two years. However, workers contend that the offer does not reflect the value of their contributions and does little to narrow the salary differences between GXO employees and their BAE counterparts.

Rory Steel, organiser for GMB Scotland, said logistics workers play a critical role in keeping shipyard operations running smoothly and deserve fair recognition for their expertise and commitment. He argued that employees working alongside each other in similar roles should not face significant differences in pay and called for urgent action to address the issue.

BAE Systems stated that the dispute is a matter between GXO Logistics and its workforce, adding that temporary measures have been put in place to reduce any impact on shipyard operations during the strike.

GXO Logistics defended its pay offer, describing it as fair and competitive, while confirming that discussions with employees remain ongoing as the company seeks a resolution to the dispute.

The industrial action highlights growing tensions over pay and workplace equality within the shipbuilding supply chain, with both sides facing increasing pressure to reach an agreement.