Food and drink organisation Princes Group has agreed to a 7% pay rise, as well as an additional one-off payment, for its 700 employees.
Trade union Unite secured the increase for the members of staff based at sites in Glasgow, Bradford, Cardiff and Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, who produce a range of products, including for the Crosse and Blackwell, Crisp ‘n Dry and Napolina brands.
The business introduced a 7% pay rise backdated to April 2022, as well as a £750 one-off payment. The deal was negotiated without the need for industrial action.
The Mitsubishi Corporation-owned firm has also agreed to commence 2023’s pay talks in January in order to establish a national forum for future negotiations.
Joe Dent, chief people officer at Princes, said: “Princes has approached the recent pay negotiations openly and with positive intent and indeed are pleased that we have been able to offer the same agreement to all seven of our UK food, soft drinks and oil manufacturing sites by working with the local union representatives.
“Our business and the wider industry continues to operate in extremely difficult conditions but we also recognise the unprecedented challenges being faced by colleagues during the cost-of-living crisis. This agreement is a positive step forward and our focus remains on serving our customers and proudly helping families to eat well, without costing the earth.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, added: “Unite brings workers together, whether in individual workplaces, across businesses or even entire sectors, so they are in a stronger position to achieve improvements to their jobs, pay and conditions.”
Joe Clarke, national officer at Unite, said: “This deal was achieved through the excellent solidarity of our Princes reps and members. It is yet another example of why those looking to better their wages and working conditions should join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”