More than 600 workers at BMW’s Birmingham Hams Hall engine plant are set to strike over a pay dispute spanning three months.
The industrial action, announced by the Unite union, will involve nearly 90 per cent of the factory’s workforce as the manufacturer said it was “disappointed” that the strikes were going ahead.
The strikes come after almost a year of failed negotiations over the 2024 pay increase with BMW, which has been marked by withdrawn offers and contentious discussions.
Workers are particularly frustrated after accepting below-inflation pay rises in 2022 and 2023 to support the company during the cost-of-living crisis.
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Most of the Hams Hall workforce is expected to take part in the industrial action
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The latest offers from BMW amount to half of what workers at the company’s Oxford site have received for 2024.
The dispute comes despite BMW recording a substantial €12billion (£9.99billion) net profit in 2023.
The company has also proposed conditional deals that would impact existing bonus arrangements, further straining industrial relations at the site.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “BMWs Ham Hall workforce have had enough of the company’s disgraceful double-dealing over pay. They are sick of being treated as second-class employees and fed up with the company’s broken promises.
“Industrial relations at the site have never been lower. BMW can more than afford to put forward an acceptable offer and that is what needs to happen.”
The strikes will take place across multiple dates, including February 18, 23 and 25, followed by March 4, 5, 6, 25 and 28.
Further action is scheduled for April 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 27, with Unite warning that industrial action could intensify if the dispute remains unresolved.
Unite regional coordinating officer Natalia Stepnowska offered a path to avoid the strikes, stating: “There is still time to avoid strike action, but BMW must start acting in good faith and put forward a reasonable offer with no strings attached.
“Our members are incredibly angry at the way they have been treated and this dispute will continue to escalate with Unites full support if BMWs behaviour does not change.”
The Hams Hall plant primarily manufactures engines for BMW’s Oxford site, where Mini vehicles are produced.
The union has indicated the strikes will cause significant disruption to BMW’s Mini operations.
A spokesperson for the BMW Group told GB News: “We are disappointed that the Hams Hall workforce has rejected the latest pay offer and intends to start industrial action.
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BMW produced its five millionth engine at the factory in 2019
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“In light of these developments, the plant will implement contingency measures to minimise the impact of any industrial action on its production process.
“The company has made a fair and considered pay offer and is open to continue constructive negotiations with the Plant Council and Union representatives.”
