Striking workers at the Faslane nuclear site stood victorious yesterday after securing a “vastly improved” pay offer.

The dispute at the Faslane and Coulport military bases ended after workers threatened fresh strikes.

Members of Unite had taken industrial action in recent weeks against employers Babcock Marine — the first action of its kind in 42 years.

A two-hour strike of the whole workforce was followed by a rolling programme of one-hour strikes across the sites every 24 hours, plus an overtime ban and a work-to-rule policy.

Workers ranging from hotel and catering staff to those handling nuclear weapons were involved in the industrial action.

The union said the row, involving 800 employees at the two Scottish sites, had now been resolved after a pay offer of 2.7 per cent was accepted.

The company had initially offered a 1 per cent pay rise, claiming that its hands were tied by MoD contracts.

Despite the supposedly tight finances Babcock’s top four directors will share a £7 million bonus pot this year as well as a 9 per cent increase to their six-figure salaries.

Unite national officer Ian Waddell said: “Our members at Babcock on the Clyde took strike action for the first time in 42 years to win a decent pay rise and I am pleased that an agreement has now been reached.

“The offer of 2.7 per cent as a consolidated rise is a substantial improvement and has been won through the stance our members have taken.

“They have remained strong, united and dignified throughout and I hope that we can now work with Babcock in an atmosphere of respect for our members.”