Nearly 100 Unite the Union members employed by Epta UK in Bradford were granted the pay increase after threatening industrial action in response to a breakdown in pay negotiations.
Epta UK supplies fridges and freezers to supermarkets including Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons and Co-op. The workers employed at the site undertake skilled work that involves building, painting, testing and packing industrial fridge and freezer units.
Following the threat of industrial action the employer came back with an improved pay offer that will see Unite members benefit from a 6% pay increase that is backdated to 1st April.
The deal also includes a new bonus scheme, an improved holiday scheme and clear career progression opportunities.
Commenting on the success of the union’s campaign, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This shows once again the power of a union and that Unite is winning for workers.
“EPTA’s workers do a skilled job yet were being offered barely above the minimum wage. They stood together and with Unite’s backing and the threat of strikes looming the employer made a much improved offer. I’m delighted for our members who should be proud of their victory.”
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker added: “This is a stark lesson for any employer who thinks that they can get away with paying peanuts. Our members were determined to win a better deal and they did just that with the support of their union.”
In other union news, Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union general secretary Sarah Woolley has expressed deep concern about plans to close the Roberts Bakery site in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
The Derbyshire site is focused on the production of speciality breads and morning goods, and employs 38 people whose jobs are now at risk.
“The proposed closure of Roberts Bakery in Ilkeston puts our members’ livelihoods at risk,” Woolley told Food Manufacture.
