Unite the Union Initiates Vote Amid Pay Disputes at ABP Craigavon
Plans for a formal vote have been released by Unite the Union, following ABP’s failure to address workers’ pay demands.
The ballot is set to commence on September 25 and will conclude on October 13. Unite represents over 150 workers in various roles at the meat packing facility located in Craigavon, Northern Ireland.
Unite members are advocating for a cost-of-living pay increase. In contrast, ABP has proposed a 3.2% wage increase along with a one-time cash payment of £100.
Unite criticized this proposal, stating that it constitutes a real-terms pay cut, leading to an overwhelming rejection from the workers involved.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham emphasized, “ABP Food Group is a highly successful company whose success is built by its workers. It can fully afford to pay a decent pay increase but has prioritized profits over people.”
Furthermore, Graham assured the ABP workers at Craigavon of Unite’s unwavering support in their quest for a fair pay increase.
Regional Officer Sean Smyth remarked, “Strike action will inevitably cause severe disruption at ABP. Management needs to return to the negotiating table and deliver an offer that meets their legitimate pay needs.”
