More than 100 workers employed by global dairy processor Saputo have accepted a 3.9% pay increase, following negotiations.
Saputo operates UK dairy processing sites such as the Davidstow Creamery in Cornwall, which is the primary production site for Cathedral City cheddar, and a site in Kirkby, Merseyside, which is a specialist spreads and oils facility producing brands such as Utterly Butterly and Clover.
The workers, who are members of trade union Unite, have secured an above-inflation pay deal, with a rate higher than the retail prices index.
Workers represented by the shopworkers’ union Usdaw, which also has union recognition at Saputo, have also accepted the 3.9% deal.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “We remain focused on securing wage increases that make a real difference to workers’ living standards.”
Pat McIlvogue, national officer for the food drink and agriculture sector at Unite, added: “This above-inflation pay rise is a strong result for our members at Saputo and demonstrates the value of Unite membership. Workers across the food and drink sector who want better pay and conditions should join Unite and encourage their colleagues to do the same.”
Saputo was contacted for comment prior to publication.
In terms of benefits, Saputo offers its UK staff bonus incentives, a health cash plan, a pension scheme with an increased contribution scheme, an employee share ownership plan, long-service awards, a paid volunteering day, parental, maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy leave packages, staff discount and a discounts portal, grocery aid, a bikes-for-work scheme, an employee assistance programme, an employee lottery, and access to webinars and tools for budgeting and saving, as well as debt consolidation and affordable loans.
