Pilgrim’s Europe workers at its Enniskillen site will begin a strike tomorrow.
Unite, which represents approximately 130 workers employed by Pilgrim’s Europe at the facility, has announced the strike will begin at 6.30am on 2 September.
The union said this marked a “sharp escalation” of the industrial dispute and follows three weeks of strikes.
Workers are seeking a “decent pay increase” and an end to current shift patterns, which mean morning shift workers are the only shift workers not getting fully paid breaks.
“Pilgrim’s is a hugely profitable company making massive profits while its workers earn just pennies above the bare legal minimum. It can easily make its workers a fair offer but is choosing not to,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.
“Our members are determined to win an improved deal – they have the total support of Unite for as long as it takes to achieve that.”
“The company has already made a number of above-inflation pay offers, backdated as part of the proposals, which have been rejected by Unite,” said a Pilgrim’s spokesperson. ”In addition, we have put forward proposals aimed at addressing concerns relating to paid breaks for day-shift employees.
“We continue to be available for further constructive dialogue with Unite and are focused on reaching an agreement that is fair, sustainable and in the best interests of our employees and the long-term operation of the site. We are grateful to our wider employees for their support in maintaining operations.”
The site produces a range of products for brands including Fridge Raiders, Richmond Sausages, Mr Brain’s Pork Faggots, Denny sausages (Republic of Ireland), Rollover sausages (sold at football grounds) and vegan sausages.
“Management intransigence has left workers with no alternative but to escalate the strike. Strikes have already heavily impacted production and stocks,” said Unite regional officer Greg O’Kane. “Pilgrim’s management needs to act now to end this dispute and avoid the risk of empty shelves just when schools are returning and demand for these products surges.”
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