Margery Thorogood, Secretary of Slough & District Trades Union Council, reports on a lively Unite strike at engineering firm John Crane 

Unite members at engineering firm John Crane on the Slough Trading Estate were geared up ready to strike over pay in April. The union reported that the 40 workers had rejected a final 3% pay offer. This followed a decade of below-inflation pay increases, including no pay award during Covid, despite working through it. 

Slough Trades Council had received the news and were quickly on the case. Contacting Malcolm Bonnett, the associated Unite officer handling the dispute, who gave them all they needed to offer support and to get involved. 

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “It is a disgrace that John Crane’s loyal workforce have been subjected to a decade of below-inflation pay increases. Especially when senior management are on extremely high salaries. The members at John Crane have the full support of Unite during this dispute.” One such example being that in 2024, the previous CEO was awarded a 22% increase with his severance package, to see him drawing a pay packet until 2026. 

Bonnett reported that “This is the first time these workers have ever gone on strike, but after a decade of below-inflation pay rises they have said enough is enough. The industrial action is a direct reaction to management’s refusal to offer our members a meaningful pay increase. Strike action will inevitably cause disruption to the company’s supply chains, but this is entirely of TJ Crane’s own making.” 

John Crane workers make mechanical engineering seals for bearings and pumps for the oil and gas industry. The company has been in business for over a century and is part of Smiths Group, which had an operating profit of £526 million last year. No small fry. 

Strike action was organised over 6 strike days in as many weeks. Only one worker went into work, and the strikers joined the picket lines from 7.30am until 11am every day. Motivation grew, the mood becoming increasingly positive. The pickets received massive support from passing drivers going through the estate, applauding their action at a time when many of them are also at the rough end of disgraceful management practice.  

The Unite officer kept the mood buoyant with humour, music, and snacks alongside the loud and demonstrative use of a megaphone aimed at the premises. Excellent practice from a union well known for winning the fight for its members across industrial sectors.  

The workers voted to continue after a strike meeting and another wave of strikes was planned. With orders slowing down, the company then moved and came up with an improved offer which the workers voted on and accepted. Their strength of feeling and commitment will be remembered if the company tries again to mess with the workers. And, much appreciated for their backing, Slough’s trades council members will be there if that is ever attempted. Solidarity!