Following a ballot of 500 workers at the Greencore cakes and desserts' site in Hull, Unite has today (4 March) announced an offer has been overwhelmingly accepted to settle the long-running dispute.
The dispute over the withdrawal of premium rates for overtime, shift working and bank holidays had involved a long campaign of demonstrations and other action against the company, culminating in a 24 hour strike on 30 January 2013. However, the threat of a further 48 hour strike last week was suspended when management agreed to reinstate all premium rates and also to award a pay increase.
Len McCluskey, Unite general secretary, said: “Our members at Greencore have sent a clear message to management that they won't allow attacks on their terms and conditions and this is something that all employers should take note of. Unite will not tolerate any attacks on our members' pay anywhere, in what is already a very low paid sector and we will give full support to any workers who fight back against greedy bosses.” Pete Ford, Unite site convenor, said: “I'm so proud of our members for the stand they took , because Unite refused to accept these attacks, our membership at the site has grown by over 200, proving that workers want and need a union that gives strong leadership. We now hope we can move forward with a much more positive working relationship with management here in Hull. “
