Around 250 workers employed by sealing and bolting solutions firm James Walker in Cockermouth have accepted an improved pay deal, ending ongoing strike action.
The workers at the Cumbria sealant factory are responsible for manufacturing, moulding, inspecting, documenting, packing and shipping of all products.
They were due to take part in industrial action for 16 days across November, December and January from 19 November, having already gone on strike from 15 to 17 October and from 22 to 24 October. There was also a continuous overtime ban from 19 September.
The employees voted to accept an improved 3% pay offer, as well as four days off over Christmas, worth an additional 1.7%. The pay rise will be backdated to 24 April instead of the pay anniversary date of 24 July.
The workers stated that their employer previously offered a revised proposal of 3%, along with an additional two days of holiday over this year’s Christmas shutdown. They argued that as the group made more £12 million in profit last year and its highest-paid director earns £169,000 a year, it could afford to offer a higher pay deal.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “This is another great win for the union, which came about by workers standing firm together. This shows it always pays to be a member of Unite.”
Tom Bell, regional officer at Unite, added: “Further strike action would have been very disruptive and we are pleased James Walker came back to negotiations with an improved offer that was acceptable to our members.”
James Walker was contacted for comment prior to publication.
