British nuclear scientists to strike

Talks are underway in Berkshire to prevent the first ever strike for Britain’s nuclear weapons system, Trident, at the firm that makes warheads.

Nuclear scientists and engineers are to go on a strike at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) on Wednesday.

Over 1,000 union members, who are expecting a pay rise of less than 2 percent, are to take part in the strike as well.

AWE said in the current economic climate, this could be the best offer possible.

Staffs at AWE sites in Aldermaston and Burghfield had their first strike in the company’s 50-year history last week, which they held in their lunch break.

More than one third of the workers at the sites say the current pay offer does not reflect the success of the company.

Workers have been angry over the little increase in the payments and also the level of extra payment paid to AWE’s controlling companies.

A spokesman for the workers said talks would continue on Monday afternoon and that workers were “hopeful the issue can be resolved…If not, the strike is going ahead.”

A spokesman for AWE also said, “Talks with Prospect representatives are continuing as we try to find a solution to the dispute.”