abp meat packing

The ballot for strike action has been instigated after management failed to agree meat packers cost of living pay claim

Workers are to be balloted at Anglo Beef Processors UK’s Craigavon plant in Northern Ireland.

The ballot for strike action has been instigated after management failed to agree meat packers’ cost of living pay claim.

The ballot will be open from 25 September until 13 October.

Unite represents more than 150 workers on the site and is seeking a cost of living pay increase for its members, who are paid a piece rate.

“ABP Food Group is a highly successful company whose success is built by its workers,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. “It can fully afford to pay a decent pay increase but has prioritised profits over people.

“The ABP workers at Craigavon can count on the full support of Unite in their fight for a cost of living pay increase.”

Management have offered a 3.2% pay increase for its members with a one-off cash payment of £100 which the union said was a real terms pay cut.

The offer was overwhelmingly rejected by workers.

“Strike action will inevitably cause severe disruption at ABP,” said regional officer Sean Smyth. “Management needs to return to the negotiating table and deliver an offer that meets their legitimate pay needs.”

ABP declined to comment.