Banbury Barry Callebaut workers call off strikes

A spokeswoman for Barry Callebaut told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “I am happy to inform you that we were able to reach a settlement with the union representatives.Yesterday ​[September 26], employees in our Banbury factory took a ballot and accepted the proposed salary increase supported by the union representatives. Therefore, the further planned strike actions will be called off today.”​

New deal​

The union said the new deal will result in its 108 members receiving a 2.65% pay increase from September to April 2013, instead of the 1.5% previously on offer.

Unite regional officer, Mick Polleck, said: “At long last managers have seen sense. It’s been a long road but our members have shown true grit and determination in their fight for a fair pay deal. Unite welcomes the decision which finally draws a line under a dispute which was allowed to drag on for too long."​

After staging two one-day strikes on September 22 and 24, Unite members had planned further stoppages tomorrow (September 28) and on Monday October 1.

Unite said earlier this week its members felt “disillusioned and undervalued”​ after a 1.5% pay offer in April, while their counterparts at another site received a 2% pay increase.

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