BMW engine strike action could disrupt UK Mini production

More than 600 workers at BMW’s Hams Hall factory are due to take strike action in February, March and April over a pay dispute.

BMW’s Hams Hall plant predominantly produces engines for use at the company’s Mini production site in Oxford.

Unite said the strikes will disrupt BMW’s Mini operations.

The workers, comprising nearly 90% of the Hams Hall factory workforce, are in dispute following nearly year long negotiations over the 2024 pay increase with the company.

Unite, the UK union, has said it has been in negotiations since last spring.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Industrial relations at the site have never been lower.

“BMW can more than afford to put forward an acceptable offer and that is what needs to happen.”

Strikes will take place on February 18, 23 and 25, March 4, 5, 6, 25, 28, as well as April 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 27.

Unite said the industrial action will intensify if the dispute is not resolved.

Unite regional coordinating officer, Natalia Stepnowska, said: “There is still time to avoid strike action, but BMW must start acting in good faith and put forward a reasonable offer with no strings attached.  

“Our members are incredibly angry at the way they have been treated and this dispute will continue to escalate with Unite’s full support if BMW’s behaviour does not change.”