Workers at Baker Hughes rejected the Texas based energy firm’s second, and final, offer of a 4.5% pay rise and a one-off lump sum payment in favour of striking.
GMB Union organiser Micheal Hunt said "workers at Baker Hughes are desperate. They’re struggling to make ends meet and feed their families. Four per cent won’t touch the sides.” With other members claiming that in the face of inflation rates reaching record highs such as 12.5 in recent months that the offer was tantamount to a "massive, real terms pay cut". Hunt also added that the multinational company “make(s) a lot of money and have orders for many years to come. It's time they invest some of the cash into the workforce to help them through the cost of living crisis.”
"It's time they invest some of the cash into the workforce to help them through the cost of living crisis."
Baker Hughes’ spokesperson called the workers decision “disappointing,” saying all the consecutive ballots have drawn out significantly the implementation of a new annual pay offer, and said the company intends to “work closely with our employees to reach a conclusion that best meets the needs of all parties and allows us to manage our costs in a market that continues to be volatile.”
The dates of the strike action are yet to be announced.