Fox's Biscuits agrees pay deal with engineers at Batley factory
The strike action was expected to last for four days and begin on Sunday 6 November but union Unite suspended the action and balloted members on the improved deal.
The 36 engineers who are members of the union Unite had voted in favour of strikes in a pay dispute and announced industrial action.
Following negotiations with conciliation Acas an improved pay offer was made, according to the union.
Balloted workers
The workers were balloted on the new offer and it was accepted, ending the dispute.
Under the deal, the workers will receive a 6.5% pay increase backdated to 1 April for this year and 7% increase for next year.
In addition, according to the union the workers will see the number of days they have to wait before receiving sick pay reduced from two days to one. They will also receive full sick pay for 10 weeks rather than the current eight weeks. The engineers also received a £100 one off payment for accepting the offer.
Agreement reached
A spokesperson for Fox’s Burton’s Companies said: “We are pleased to confirm that we have reached an agreement with our colleagues and their Union representatives this week. All our colleagues at our Batley factory are a hugely valued part of Fox's Burton's Companies and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was an important win for a distinctive group of workers who had never taken industrial action previously. Their commitment and determination ensured they secured a greatly improved pay deal.”
Earlier this year Burton’s Biscuit Companies announced it was to merge with Fox’s Biscuits to form a new business under the leadership of Simon Browne.
