Ford pay deal win

About 9,000 Ford production workers have been offered an inflation-busting pay deal which guarantees at least a 6.5 per cent rise in a two-year package.

Unite, which represents the vast majority of the hourly workers set to benefit, hailed the offer as ‘industry leading’ and will be recommending acceptance.

The deal is a 4.5 per cent pay rise for the year starting November 24 2017, as well as a lump of £750. The second year, starting on November 24 2018, will see a pay rise of two per cent or an increase equivalent to the retail price index (RPI) over the period October 2017 to October 2018, plus 0.5 per cent – whichever is greater.

“This is an industry leading deal which will give the workforce pay security over the next two years and keep their pay packets ahead of the rising cost of living,” said Unite national officer for the automotive sector Roger Maddison.

“We believe that this is a fair deal for both sides – the company and the workers – and reflects the dedication of our members and the excellent contribution they make to Ford’s European automotive operations.

“Unite will be recommending acceptance of the package which will see a guaranteed pay increase of at least 6.5 per cent for production staff over the two-year period starting this month,” he added.

“Our shop stewards across Ford’s UK plants will be explaining the deal to members at meetings next week. A consultative ballot on the deal will then be held and the result should be known by the end of the month.”

Ford sites that are covered by this deal are at Bridgend in south Wales, Dagenham, and Halewood on Merseyside, as well as the parts operation at Daventry, and the research and development centre at Dunton in Essex. The total Ford UK workforce is about 12,000.