Food factory workers 'vote to accept pay offer and end dispute'

Food factory workers who have been on strike over pay since the start of September, have voted to accept an improved pay deal and end their dispute, according to the Unite union.

Workers at the Pilgrim's Europe food production plant in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, wanted fairer pay and for staff to be paid equally for breaks.

On Friday, Unite said its members employed at the Enniskillen site "have voted overwhelmingly to accept an improved pay offer and end their dispute".

It added that the deal "will see all shop floor workers receive a four per cent pay increase and will mean all workers are fully paid for breaks".

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said it was a "clear win" for its members.

"This deal was achieved through workers being prepared to take strike action," Graham added.

The union said talks for next year's pay negotiations at the Enniskillen site "are due to start at the end of the year".

Unite represents about 130 workers employed by Pilgrim's Europe at its Enniskillen factory.

Pilgrim's Europe has more than 40 facilities across the UK, Ireland, France and the Netherlands and employs more than 17,000 people.

Its portfolio of brands includes Fridge Raiders, Richmond sausages, Denny sausages and Rollover sausages.

Pilgrim's Europe has been contacted for comment.

In a previous statement last month, Pilgrim's Europe said there were no product shortages and that the company had "already made a number of above-inflation pay offers" which had been rejected by Unite.

It said pay increases were offered "across all levels and weighted towards those colleagues on the lowest pay".

The company said it had "put forward proposals aimed at addressing concerns relating to paid breaks for day-shift employees".