Lakeland Dairies UHT Milk Plant Workers Unanimously Vote for Industrial Action
Source: The DairyNews
Workers at the UHT milk processing plant owned by Lakeland Dairies in Northern Ireland have voted unanimously in favor of strike action, escalating tensions over a rejected 6.2% pay increase proposal.
The plant, operated by LE Pritchitt & Company Limited in Newtownards, will see Unite trade union members initiating the strike from 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21, lasting for seven days until February 28.
The Unite trade union, representing the majority of the plant's 200 employees, disclosed that the strike is intended to "bring production at the factory to a standstill." Lakeland Dairies, the parent company that acquired LE Pritchitt & Company Limited in 2003, assured stakeholders of robust business continuity and processing plans to manage any potential disruption.
Recent financial reports from Pritchitt indicate a substantial 40% increase in revenues to £180.8 million and a pre-tax profit surge of 63%, reaching £2.21 million for the 12 months ending in 2022. Unite argues that the workers, deserving of a fair pay increase, are seeking an improved offer given the company's notable financial gains.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham emphasized the union's commitment to prioritizing the jobs, pay, and conditions of its members, expressing unwavering support for the Pritchitt workers. Unite Regional Officer Albert Hewitt underscored the potential immediate impact on UHT milk product availability in local supermarkets, urging management to return to the negotiating table promptly to address the legitimate pay expectations of their members.
Lakeland Dairies acknowledged the situation, stating that it had invited staff representatives to a meeting before being officially notified of the industrial action. The company expressed hope for an amicable resolution through ongoing discussions between Lakeland Dairies and union representatives.
The Unite trade union, representing the majority of the plant's 200 employees, disclosed that the strike is intended to "bring production at the factory to a standstill." Lakeland Dairies, the parent company that acquired LE Pritchitt & Company Limited in 2003, assured stakeholders of robust business continuity and processing plans to manage any potential disruption.
Recent financial reports from Pritchitt indicate a substantial 40% increase in revenues to £180.8 million and a pre-tax profit surge of 63%, reaching £2.21 million for the 12 months ending in 2022. Unite argues that the workers, deserving of a fair pay increase, are seeking an improved offer given the company's notable financial gains.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham emphasized the union's commitment to prioritizing the jobs, pay, and conditions of its members, expressing unwavering support for the Pritchitt workers. Unite Regional Officer Albert Hewitt underscored the potential immediate impact on UHT milk product availability in local supermarkets, urging management to return to the negotiating table promptly to address the legitimate pay expectations of their members.
Lakeland Dairies acknowledged the situation, stating that it had invited staff representatives to a meeting before being officially notified of the industrial action. The company expressed hope for an amicable resolution through ongoing discussions between Lakeland Dairies and union representatives.
