Atomic Weapons Establishment (PROSPECT) Strike Calendar
Strike Type: GOV
Latest Atomic Weapons Establishment Industrial Action Updates (2)
Members of the union went on strike at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) due to a problematic restructure program where senior management did not properly consult with staff.
There was a significant union presence with picket lines established at the main entrance gates of the Aldermaston site and at the Burghfield site.
Members had previously voted overwhelmingly in an industrial action ballot to strike, and had been engaging in action short of a strike earlier in the month.
The dispute stems from AWE announcing a restructuring program in November that initially involved 400-500 redundancies out of approximately 7,000 roles, with an additional 750 posts being recruited for.
AWE later increased the potential number of redundancies to 800 but has not supplied the necessary information for the union to fully understand and challenge the proposed changes.
The striking personnel hold specialist roles as scientists and engineers who are crucial to the UK's atomic weapons program and national security.
Another day of strike action is currently scheduled for March 26th.
Members working at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), which maintains the UK’s nuclear deterrent, are set to vote on potential industrial action.
The ballot, opening on January 19, 2026, will determine if staff are willing to take strike action or action short of a strike across AWE sites like Aldermaston and Burghfield.
The action follows a proposed restructuring by AWE that initially involved 400-500 redundancies out of approximately 7,000 roles, a figure that has since increased to a potential 800 redundancies.
Concerns stem from management's alleged errors and inadequate consultation regarding the restructuring, with necessary information reportedly refused.
The union is requesting that AWE halt the current flawed process to engage in a productive dialogue about the organization's future.
The specialized staff involved in vital national security work risk derailing a recent £15bn government investment in a new nuclear warhead programme if the internal chaos continues.
Management failings cited include not providing clear rationale, comprehensive plans, key safety documents, and inconsistent communication regarding job impacts.
These ongoing issues, following prior staffing concerns, have severely damaged morale among the highly skilled workforce critical to nuclear safety.
Atomic Weapons Establishment Strike Calendar
1 Strike Date 0 Planned