More than 1,000 Cadbury workers have achieved a two-year pay deal worth up to 17.5%, as well as a separate 25% boost in holiday pay.
A total of 80% of the workers based at Cadbury’s sites in Bournville, Birmingham, Chirk, Wales and Marlebrook in Hereford, members of the union Unite, voted in favour of the two-year deal which, including bonuses, sees staff wages rise above the current inflation rate.
According to Unite, the deal has set the standard for food manufacturing businesses.
A Cadbury spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have reached a two-year agreement with Unite for our UK chocolate manufacturing colleagues. This agreement represents an improved overall package including not only base pay but other elements which enable us to both recognise our colleagues’ important contributions but also remain competitive in our manufacturing operations.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, added: “Where employers can clearly afford to raise pay, we are determined to ensure that they do. Yet again Unite’s focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is getting results for our members. This deal was delivered by the hard work and dedication of Unite’s representatives at Cadbury and the support of Unite members.”
Joe Clarke, national officer for food and drink at Unite, said: “Unite negotiated this deal over three months with Cadbury and it sets the standard for the rest of the food manufacturing sector, which is performing very strongly.
“Unite will be negotiating with other food manufacturing companies in the coming months and we will be bargaining for our members in those workplaces to also receive rises that take into consideration the rising cost of living and high profits of their employers.”
