Pay deal for BMW workers

Workers at the BMW mini car plant in Oxford are celebrating a 10 per cent pay deal over three years, negotiated by their union, Unite.

The workers at the Cowley based plant were hailed ‘world beaters’ in January this year following the car manufacturer’s most impressive sales figures since the new Mini was launched in 2001.

Chris Bond, Unite convenor at the plant, said he was delighted the workforce had voted to accept the pay offer which will cover the next three years and be backdated until January 1.

“The Clubman has been launched and the plant is going from strength to strength – that is reflected in this pay agreement,” said Chris.

“The deal amounts to 10 per cent over three years and it’s the best in the motor manufacturing sector – no one has bettered that,” he added.

The 10 per cent total was the ‘top line figure’ based on Grade Two production line workers, who make up the vast majority of the workforce.

There will be a four per cent increase paid the first year, 3.25 per cent increase in the second year, and 2.75 per increase cent in the third year.

“We started negotiating back in November and 76.8 per cent of 2,696 balloted voted to accept the offer, a three-year deal,” said Chris.

And the really good news Chris tells us is that the deal applies to agency workers at the plant too!

BMW Group spokeswoman Sarah Heaney said; “We are pleased to confirm the three-year pay deal negotiated between the company and the trade union has been approved via ballot by the union members, demonstrating that the deal is strong and competitive.”

Last year saw 63,584 Minis sold in the UK, up 18 per cent from the 53,661 sold in 2014, with workers launching the new Clubman.

“This is certainly a good, pace setting deal, which is totally justified and which recognises the skills and dedication of Unite members and the excellent Unite organisation and tremendous union reps we have at Cowley,” said Tony Burke Unite Assistant General Secretary.