Workers employed by Tetley at its Stockton-on-Tees factory have accepted a pay offer, ending ongoing strike action.
The 150 employees, who are based at Tata Consumer Products’ Eaglescliffe site, are members of trade unions GMB and Unite. The pay increase is worth 10% over the course of two years and was accepted by both unions and members.
The workers, who are mainly female, voted to strike earlier this year because they were unhappy with their levels of pay. Industrial action took place on Friday 20 and Monday 23 September, while a further strike occurred on Thursday 10 October.
During the industrial action, management called the police, claiming the predominantly female strikers were being intimidating.
A Tata Consumer Products spokesperson said: “We are pleased that a satisfactory resolution to the pay dispute at our Eaglescliffe tea factory has been achieved, with a revised two-year deal submitted by us accepted by both the Unite and GMB unions and members. We look forward to welcoming all our employees back into the business and working together for a productive future.”
Paul Clarke, organiser at GMB, added: “These workers have fought hard to get the pay rise they deserve, 10% over two years, which they’ve overwhelmingly accepted. GMB is pleased Tetley got back round the table to reach a deal. This offer shows what happens when workers stick together to defend their terms and conditions.”
Tetley employees receive a minimum of 35 days holidays per annum, an annual bonus scheme subject to business performance, a defined contribution pension schemes with 10% employer and 6% employee contributions, free onsite parking at all sites, an employee assistance programme, and an employee discount scheme.
