Meat strike called off as employers agree to pay

(25/11/08) Meat hygiene employers have agreed to pay a long-overdue pay rise to UNISON members – and the union is calling off strike action which members voted for last week.

The 2.99% increase, backdated to August 2007, will be paid in the new year, in time to help with post-Christmas bills.

As well as putting money into members' pockets, today's agreement also gives breathing space for further talks on changes to work patterns.

UNISON has been working hard to avert a strike, which would have seriously disrupted meat supplies across the country in the run-up to Christmas.

"Taking strike action is always a last resort," said Simon Watson, the union’s national officer for meat inspectors.

"We still have some tough talking to do over the 'work anytime' proposals and members have a right to expect movement on their 2008 pay deal.

"However, today's agreement with the Meat Hygiene Service signals a willingness to reach a negotiated agreement and UNISON will work hard to ensure that we get the best deal possible for our members."

UNISON in the Meat Hygiene Service

Bookmark, print, post, feed or send to a friend:

Print version

RSS feeds