Dale Farm Workers to Go on Strike Over Pay Claims

Strategic Insights -

Employees at the UK-based milk processing and food ingredients business are set to begin a series of strikes next Wednesday, backed by the trade union Unite, in support of their improved wages claim. The three-day walkout by engineers and drivers at multiple Dale Farm sites is part of a larger effort to push for better pay, with the threat of a five-day withdraw of labor leading to an all-out strike unless a resolution is found.

Key Takeaways:

  • The strike is part of a series of actions organized by Unite in support of an improved wages claim, with the first three-day walkout set to begin on August 20.
  • The strike is supported by 90% of drivers and 89% of engineers, who are part of the company's workforce.
  • Dale Farm has reported strong financial results, with turnover increasing from £631.4m to £722.4m and net profit before tax rising to £31.9m.
  • The company has contingency plans in place to ensure milk collections continue as normal during the industrial action, with a spokesperson assuring farmers and customers that there will be no interruption to product supply.
  • Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, has expressed support for the strikes, stating that Dale Farm can afford to pay its skilled workforce properly.
  • The strike is set to affect multiple sites, with Unite's regional officer, Simon Hall, warning that industrial action will likely impact both milk collection and production.

Statistics:

  • 90% of drivers and 89% of engineers voted in favor of strike action, with majorities in support of their pay claim.
  • Dale Farm workers' pay is lower than industry comparators in Northern Ireland, according to Unite.
  • The company's turnover increased from £631.4m to £722.4m, with a net profit before tax of £31.9m.
  • EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) rose to £45.6m, while operating profit grew from £37.5m to £37.7m.

Sources:

  • Unite (Trade union)
  • Dale Farm (Company spokesperson)
  • House of Commons (Dale Farm's financial results)