A long-running dispute at a Rolls-Royce factory has been resolved after workers accepted a deal.

Members of the Unite union at the Rolls-Royce plant in Barnoldswick started taking industrial action last November in protest at plans to cut jobs and move work making aeroplane fan blades to Singapore. 

On Friday, workers suspended the strike action after a breakthrough in talks over a 'landmark deal', which, if agreed to, the union said could save 350 jobs and give the site a bright future as the company’s centre of training and excellence.

Unite said the deal, which has now been supported overwhelmingly by the workforce, will give the historic site a new lease of life as a core manufacturing facility and make it host to a new centre of excellence.

Barnoldswick Rolls-Royce strike suspended after breakthrough which could see 350 jobs saved

Unite’s assistant general secretary, Steve Turner, said: “Today is a day for celebration at the Barnoldswick plant and their community.

“They demonstrated real solidarity in the face of a genuine threat, stood together and have won a future. True local heroes who have inspired a generation.

“This plant has a great history but it now has a bright future thanks to the courage and determination of these workers and the support of their friends and neighbours.

“It can look forward to celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2023, safe in the knowledge that it will play a leading role in Rolls-Royce as it repositions itself to be a key player in green manufacturing.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

A company spokesman said: “We are pleased to confirm that after many weeks of complex and constructive talks about the future of our facility in Barnoldswick we have agreed a way forward with Unite.

“This includes a commitment to the long-term future of the site, delivering on our pledge not to close Barnoldswick, and the development of a training programme on the site to address the changing requirements for skilled engineering capability across the group and associated supply chain.

“This will include programmes designed to help meet the challenge of climate change.”

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, leader of the Labour Party on Pendle Borough Council, said the news was excellent and credit should be given to the workforce who fought so hard for their jobs.

He commented: "It's excellent news and every credit to the union members.

"I would now urge Rolls Royce, at any time in the future, to have and engage in positive dialogue with the workforce and the council to make sure it can save jobs and maintain a presence in the region for another 100 years.

"This is very welcome news indeed."