“Milk shortage” fears averted as workers accept “significantly improved” pay deal

Dale Farm pay offer accepted after ‘decisive’ vote

Fears of milk shortages ahead of a strike by workers at several Dale Farm sites in Northern Ireland have been allayed after a pay deal was struck.

The intention to take strike action was announced by the Unite trade union on Monday, after drivers and engineers voted “overwhelmingly” for industrial action over pay.

But that now appears to be off the table, following what Unite has described as a “significantly improved” pay offer.

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Earlier, Unite regional officer for the workforce Simon Hall had warned: “Dale Farm workers at multiple sites will participate in the strike. Given the involvement of so many drivers and engineers, this industrial action will very likely affect both milk collection and production.”

Now, fears of a milk shortage have subsided after an agreement was reached.

On Thursday morning, a union spokesperson said: “Members of Unite employed as drivers and engineers at four Dale Farm sites across Northern Ireland have voted decisively to accept a pay offer worth an extra 4.75 per cent.

“The improved offer was made by management after workers announced plans for industrial action commencing with an initial three-day strike on 20 September and escalating to an all-out strike action in the fourth week.”

General secretary of Unite Sharon Graham said: “Dale Farm workers have scored a clear win on pay. This result demonstrates the importance of having strong unions in the workplace to deliver on workers’ jobs, pay and conditions.”

Unite say the pay deal represents a significant improvement from the three per cent increase originally offered by management. Drivers will now receive an additional increase on their bulk tank allowance and engineers will receive an additional maintenance payment both of which are worth 1.75 per cent, a spokesperson for the union added.

Unite regional officer Simon Hall said: “Unite members have voted to accept a significantly improved pay offer. This goes some way towards improving the rate of pay of a skilled workforce. We will continue to build union strength with the aim of ensuring Dale Farm’s success is properly shared with its employees.”

In an earlier statement, a spokesperson for Dale Farm had said: “We value all our staff and take pride in our employee relations.”

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