Meat workers at ABP to vote on strike action

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The workers will vote on strike action between 25 September and 13 October. (Getty Images / PeopleImages)

Workers at an Anglo Beef Processors UK (ABP) site are preparing to vote on taking strike action after rejecting a pay offer.

Plans for the vote were announced by Unite the Union in response to the firm failing to agree to the pay demands of workers.

The ballot will open on 25 September and closes on 13 October, with Unite representing more than 150 workers in a variety of role at the meat packing site in Craigavon, Northern Ireland.

Unite said that its members are seeking a cost-of-living pay increase, while ABP offered a 3.2 raise plus a one-off cash payment of £100.

The trade union said that this represents a real-terms pay cut and the offer was overwhelmingly rejected by workers.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham commented: “ABP food group is a highly successful company whose success is built by its workers. It can fully afford to pay a decent pay increase but has prioritised profits over people.

“The ABP workers at Craigavon can count on the full support of Unite in their fight for a cost of living pay increase.”

Regional officer Sean Smyth added: “Strike action will inevitably cause severe disruption at ABP. Management needs to return to the negotiating table and deliver an offer that meets their legitimate pay needs.”

Food Manufacture has reached out to ABP for comment.


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