'Our members are determined to win an improved deal': Northern Ireland strike action could hit supplies of Moy Park, Richmond and Denny brands
Around 130 Pilgrims Europe workers in Enniskillen start strike action in a dispute over pay and working conditions, with Unite warning of disruption to production and stocks
An escalating industrial dispute may impact the supply of brands including Moy Park Chicken, Denny's and Richmond, as Northern Ireland workers seek pay increases and better working conditions.
Unite, which represents approximately 130 workers employed by Pilgrims Europe at its Enniskillen production facility, announced strike action yesterday (Wednesday, September 2).
The trade union said that workers are seeking a decent pay increase and an end to the current regime where morning shift workers are the only shift workers not getting fully paid breaks.
The lowest paid workers receive an hourly rate of £12.82 - 11p above the minimum wage. Pilgrims Europe's latest reported after-tax profit was £128m.
The site produces a range of well-known UK and Irish food brands including Fridge Raiders, Moy Park Chicken, Richmond, Denny, Oakhouse Foods, Rollover.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Pilgrims 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.
"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."
Unite regional officer Greg O'Kane said: "Management intransigence has left workers with no alternative but to escalate the strike. Strikes have already heavily impacted production and stocks.
“Pilgrims’ 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."
A spokesperson from Pilgrims, said: "The company has already made a number of above-inflation pay offers, backdated as part of the proposals, which have been rejected by Unite. 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."