13.2 per cent wage increase for 350 Dumfriesshire based workers

Unite the union confirmed today (12 October) that around 350 workers based at the Dumfriesshire food manufacturer Browns have secured a 13.2 per cent wage rise bringing the dispute to an end.

Unite’s production, distribution and maintenance members based in Kelloholm, Sanquhar, voted to accept a 13.2 per cent increase for 2023. The deal comprises the implementation of the real living wage backdated to April 2023 plus a £250 one-off payment. As part of a three year deal, Unite also secured the commitment for real living wage increases for 2024 and 2025.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Unite’s members at Browns have secured an excellent wage deal. The pay increase of 13.2 per cent this year was only achieved through the brave stance our members took in taking on their employer through strike action. Unite will always stand up and support our members fighting back for decent jobs, pay and conditions.” 

The Brown’s workers participated in several rounds of industrial action during August and September. The Dumfriesshire based firm specialises in the production and manufacturing of quality cooked and sliced meats for a large range of businesses, supermarkets and schools. 

Browns Manufacturing Limited, which the company trades under, made a profit after tax of £4.2m in the year ending 31 December 2022. The company is part of the wider Browns Food Group which is owned and controlled by the Godfrey family. 

Paul Bennett, Unite industrial officer, added: ““We are pleased to get this deal over the line which was overwhelmingly backed by our members. Workers will now receive a significant boost to their pay packets. Our members were fully determined to get a fair slice of the profits, which Browns is making on the back of our members’ hard work.”

ENDS