Brown Brothers factory workers in Kelloholm, Dumfriesshire have approved a 13.2% pay increase after Unite the union negotiated a better offer. Initially, the workers rejected a pay offer of £10.90 per hour in August, prompting 350 Unite members involved in production, distribution, and maintenance to vote in favor of strike action. Strikes were subsequently held throughout August and September.
Under the new pay deal, workers will receive the real living wage, effective from April 2023, along with a one-off payment of £250. Unite has also secured commitments for real living wage increases in 2024 and 2025 as part of a three-year deal. Brown Brothers, a subsidiary of the Browns Food Group, specializes in manufacturing cooked and sliced meats for retail and foodservice businesses. The Kelloholm plant employs approximately 550 staff members.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham praised the union for achieving an “excellent wage deal” through the members’ courageous stance during the strikes. She emphasized that the 13.2% pay increase was only possible due to the members’ determination to fight for fair jobs, pay, and conditions.
Unite industrial officer Paul Bennett expressed his satisfaction with the overwhelming support from the members at the Kelloholm plant. He highlighted that the pay increase would significantly boost workers’ pay packets and ensure they receive a fair share of the profits generated by Browns through their hard work.
In other news related to the food manufacturing industry, PepsiCo Ireland has announced a £35m investment plan for its Little Island facility in Cork.
