Anger at Donnington base strike ballot

Members of the Unite union working at MoD Donnington are being asked to decide on whether to take further industrial action as part of a national row over pay.

The Donnington base is currently at the centre of a bid to become the UK's military logistics hub – up against MOD Bicester.

If Telford is chosen as the location for a flagship centre for supplying kit to the Armed Forces, it would see 1,000 local jobs safeguarded and 700 new roles in the supply chain, potentially boosting the borough's economy by£60 million a year.

MP for the Wrekin, Mark Pritchard, criticised the ballot, saying any strike action could put the potential deal in jeopardy.

Mr Pritchard said: "Unite is acting in a completely irresponsible manner and potentially putting hundreds of jobs at risk.

"Our competitors in Bicester will be jubilant if the strike goes ahead.

"I am calling for this damaging ballot to be scrapped.

"I am fighting for local jobs but the Unite union appears to be fighting for ideology."

But union representatives say that the ballot of Defence Support Group workers is on national issues and should have no impact on the bid to bring the hub to Donnington.

Chris Cadman, Unite's executive council member for the MoD and Government departments, said: "I am aware of the meeting that took place last week with the ministers. However, these are separate parts of the MoD and separate issues.

"The pay issue is a national issue, this vote on possible industrial action will take place all over the country, not just at Donnington.

"I understand the decision on the logistics is at a crucial stage but staff at Bicester will be balloting as well, it is not just Donnington.

"It's also across the public sector, so workers in health and education will also be taking part."

Cllr Bill McClements, cabinet member for finance and enterprise, said: "This issue is a national one affecting all MoD sites with staff in this union. It is not specific to MoD Donnington and has absolutely nothing to do with the bid to bring the MoD's National Defence Gateway to Donnington.

"The offer that we have put forward to bring the MoD National Defence Gateway to Donnington is very strong. It would provide a massive boost to the local economy worth around £60 million a year and we will continue to make the case for Donnington at every opportunity and fight for the jobs and growth that a decision for Donnington would bring to our borough."

Nationally, more than 800 employees who are members of Unite are being balloted about strike action and action short of a strike. The ballot will close on Friday October 3.

Last week, Mr Pritchard, along with leading councillors and officers from Telford & Wrekin Council met with Ludlow MP Philip Dunne, who is the government minister for defence equipment, support and technology to make the case for bringing the hub to Telford.

Earlier this year, members of the council's cabinet approved a scheme to borrow up to £120m from Government to be able to offer the base to bidders.

The loan would be used to buy the 56 acres of land next to the existing site and build a 875,000sq ft fulfilment centre, a 200,000sq ft warehouse and a 30,000sq ft, office block.

But the money would only be used if the council won the bid and provided the facility.

The council would then recoup the borrowing costs as part of the contract and create a considerable surplus to fund key council services such as care for vulnerable adults and children.

The MOD is expected to make a final decision on the future of the logistics hub in December.