Strikes by 150 mill workers employed by poultry feed manufacturer AB AGRI have been cancelled after they voted to accept an improved two year pay deal.
Unite, the union, said the deal also contains an agreement to allow union recognition across AB AGRI’s mills in Suffolk, Norfork, Oxfordshire, Fife, Devon, Lincolnshire and East and North Yorkshire.
Workers initially voted to strike during the first week of April after rejecting a 4.5% pay offer.
The workers will now receive a pay rise of 4.5% back paid from October 2022, plus a 1.5% lump sum. From September 2023, their pay will increase again by an additional 5.5%, with a further 2% in January 2024. An additional day’s annual leave is also included in the deal.
Unite regional officer Mark Jaina said: “The hard work of our reps and the solidarity of our members was essential in securing this pay deal. This result is yet another example of why those who want to improve their wages and working lives should join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”
An ABN spokesperson said: “At ABN we are committed to being an employer of choice that aims to attract and retain our employees by offering competitive packages. “We had a productive conversation with Unite on Tuesday and agreed a way forward for all parties. We look forward to continuing to work with them.
