Pay strikes at Wigan plastic manufacturer Alpla UK have been cancelled after workers voted to accept an improved pay offer worth at least 6 per cent. 

Nearly 150 workers at Alpla’s Golborne factory will benefit from the two-year pay deal and all scheduled strike action has now been cancelled. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent result for our members at Alpla UK’s Golbourne factory and demonstrates that when union members unite and fight for a better deal they can win. 

“It is another example of how Unite is winning to secure better jobs, pay and conditions for its members.”

The deal will see staff on under £25,000 a year receive a 4 per cent pay rise backdated to January, while staff on more than £25,000 will receive a rise of 3 per cent, also backdated to January. From 2022, all staff will receive a pay rise of 3.25 per cent. 

Workers will also benefit from a 1 per cent increase on employers’ pension contributions and improvements to overtime terms.

Alpla UK manufactures plastic bottles and containers for customers including Britvic, Coca Cola, PZ Cussons, Lever, Arla Foods, Core Ingredients, Princes Foods and others.

Unite regional officer Richard O’Brien said: “This result shows what can be achieved through strong union organisation, which is why we urge workers looking to improve their pay and terms and conditions to join Unite and to get their colleagues to do the same.

“Unite looks forward to working productively with Alpla in the future for the best interests of our members, as the company continues to go from strength to strength.” 

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215. 

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org 

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Unite is the leading union in the UK and Ireland, dedicated to defending and improving members' jobs, pay and conditions. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.