UNHAPPY workers at two atomic weapons factories are expected to carry out a series of strikes to show their disgust as part of a long-running pensions dispute.

A total of seven days of striking is set for the Aldermaston and Burghfield sites of the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) despite previous attempts to resolve 'broken promises' from the Government.

Unite, which represents around 600 workers, is due to meet AWE management next week to discuss the progress of ongoing pension talks after deals made in the House of Commons in the early 1990s.

Unite regional officer Bob Middleton said: “Confidence is high that we can win this dispute and see justice done.

“We need to maintain the pressure on the Ministry of Defence, so our members are given the opportunity to rejoin the MoD's principal civil service pension scheme.

“Our members will be striking to drive home the message that they feel betrayed and badly let down by what has happened to their pensions and that they don’t deserve to lose thousands of pounds when they retire.

“Until a settlement is reached that is acceptable to our hardworking members, the seven further days of strike action remain in place.

“The essence of this dispute is that governments should honour the pledges they make to MPs and groups of workers.

“It is quite clear that this pledge has been shattered and our members feel deeply betrayed. The hallmark of this dispute is a litany of broken promises.”

Further strikes are planned for March 27; April 6, 10, 20, 24; and May 4, 8.

This would bring the total number of strike days since last November to 16.

Workers from Aldermaston and Burghfield will undertake the first 24-hour strike tomorrow (March 23).