‘Furious and determined’

Workers at a fork lift truck engineering company in Bolton are on strike today (January 8) in protest over a paltry pay offer which amounts to a real terms pay cut.

82 per cent of workers at GNB Industrial Power who took part in the ballot, voted in favour of industrial action. The workforce are furious that the company which increased its profits to over ÂŁ3m has offered workers a pay deal worth just 1.5 percent when inflation (retail price index) is more than double at 3.9 per cent.

The workers have called an overtime ban and a series of 24-hour and 48-hour strikes through January, February and the beginning of March.

“It is totally unacceptable for a company that is making profits to offer its loyal work force a pay deal which amounts to a cut in real terms,” said Unite regional officer Ross Quinn. “To make matters worse the company’s approach to negotiations has been very poor – it even offered to improve the deal only to then cancel the meeting at the last minute.

“The company’s approach has left workers furious and determined to secure a fair pay increase that recognises their contribution to the company’s success. We urge management to return to the negotiating table or face months of industrial action.”

Unite is a union that campaigns for and delivers better pay and conditions for its members. Unite is winning at work based on three core values — Secure Work: fighting for jobs and job security; Strong Voice: a union which is a respected voice at work; and Decent Pay: a union focussed on pay and conditions.