MORE than 150 contract shipyard security staff could down tools over disputes about working unsociable hours.

Around 160 employees of Securitas – a national security services company – are suing for industrial action over a lack of shift allowance.

The security staff, who are stationed at BAE Systems in Barrow, regularly work around the clock but receive no extra money for the work.

Shift workers from other companies receive an allowance which compensates them for working unsociable hours.

Securitas offered staff a pay rise, which was overwhelmingly rejected by 75 per cent of the workforce. Now union members are seeking permission to go to ballot.

Once permission is granted, union members still face a long process before they can face the ballot, so it is likely to be several weeks before any outcome is decided.

Stephen Forbes, secretary of GMB Union in Barrow, said: “We’ve just rejected a pay off from Securitas and that’s where we are at the moment.

“We’re going to seek permission for industrial action and if we get approval it would be about a month before we start the ballot process.”

Mr Forbes was keen to highlight the reason behind the decision.

He said: “The crux of the matter is that Securitas doesn’t pay shift allowance.

“Everybody else gets this at BAE but Securitas doesn’t offer it.

“Staff are aggrieved because they’re getting up and walking around at two in the morning with no shift allowance.

“If they were to work for BAE they would get it.

“If you work there overnight you get shift allowance so they’re doing exactly the same.”

Securitas has declined to make a statement.

BAE Systems also refused to comment on the matter.

Although no response has been given from the shipyard, Mr Forbes believes the strike could have some limiting effect on operations, if it were to go ahead.

The staff take on a variety of roles at the yard which combines more general roles with specific responsibilities such as the fire watch.

Mr Forbes added: “It’s not about getting paid for the skills and expertise, it’s about being paid for getting up at all hours.”