AROUND 100 Rosyth dockyard workers are set to strike for 12 weeks in a dispute over pay.

Unite the Union says the industrial action - planned to take place from April 17 until July 10 - will directly threaten progress on the Type 31 frigates contract.

They say the dispute affects painters, cleaners, scaffolders and support service staff employed by construction contractor Kaefer Limited.

Unite members emphatically supported strike action by 98.4 per cent over the failure by Kaefer to make a formal pay offer.

Following the strike vote, the union says a 7.2 per cent pay offer was made however this was turned down by the workforce.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Unite’s members working for Kaefer are determined to secure a fair pay deal. Kaefer dragged their feet and then made an unacceptable offer following our members’ emphatic decision to vote for strike action.

"We will support our members all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions at the Rosyth dockyard.”

Bob MacGregor, Unite regional industrial officer, added: “The workforce are prepared to take 12 weeks all-out strike action to get a decent wage rise. Kaefer just simply doesn’t get it.

"The company first refused to make any offer for months, and then they panicked following the strike vote.

"Kaefer in turn are blaming Babcock who own the yard for this situation but it’s a mess they have jointly created. It’s a really shoddy way of managing industrial relations at Rosyth.

"The imminent strike action will have a knock-on effect for the Type 31 contract, and it will undoubtedly lead to significant delays.”

A KAEFER spokesperson said they can confirm that KAEFER employees currently contracted to work at Rosyth, and who are members of the union Unite, have advised them that they will commence continuous strike action from April 17.

"We continue to support constructive dialogue between Unite and KAEFER to reach a mutually acceptable resolution," added the spokesperson.

"The safety of our teams remains paramount and will not be affected by any potential industrial action."

A Babcock spokesperson added: “We are aware of the situation between Kaefer and their Unite members and will work with our sub-contractor to mitigate any impacts to our Rosyth operations”.