Marshall Aerospace engineers could go on strike amid firm's 'uncertain future'
More than 200 engineers who maintain the Hercules aircraft could go on strike
Katie Green Senior multimedia reporter, 18:00, 13 Jul 2026
Marshalls in Cambridge (Image: Google Street View)
Engineers who maintain the C-130 Hercules aircraft could go on strike. Marshall Aerospace, currently based at Cambridge Airport, announced earlier this year that its plans to relocate to Cranfield University’s site fell through as it was “no longer affordable”.
It then announced in May that it had plans to move to Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales, which could affect 158 employees. The Unite union announced on Monday (July 13) that around 250 members at Marshall Aerospace are balloting for strike action in a dispute over pay.
The workers considering strike action are engineers who maintain the C-130 Hercules aircraft and manufacture auxiliary fuel tanks for the Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Unite regional officer Neil Moore said: "Quite frankly, Marshall Aerospace needs to treat these workers better if it doesn't want to see disruptive strike action and an exodus of highly skilled employees to companies offering better pay and greater job security.
"That means putting forward a pay offer that recognises the value of this workforce and gives people a reason to stay. Unite remains available for negotiations at any time, and there is still every opportunity to resolve this dispute through meaningful talks."
Workers rejected the company’s offer of a 4.5 per cent increase in pay offer. Since 2020, pay has fallen by around 16 per cent at Marshall Aerospace, according to the union.
The ballot to vote on strike action closes on July 21. Any strike action that takes place could have an impact on the support provided to allied military aircraft programmes, including the maintenance of the C-130 Hercules aircraft, Unite said.
