Strikes by West Midlands steel workers employed by ArcelorMittal in Willenhall have ended after an improved pay settlement was secured.  

The workers, members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, voted to accept a two year pay deal, consisting of a 12 per cent increase and part consolidation of the current bonus scheme. The result will see the workers’ basic guaranteed earnings increase by around 26 per cent.    

The deal will also contain an element of backdated pay to April 2023 and the full adjustment applying from the start of January – three months earlier than usual.   

In addition, the workers, who took 34 days of strike action beginning in September last year, will receive an uplift to the annual health and safety bonus of £350.     

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Well done to the workers at ArcelorMittal in Willenhall. By taking a stand and striking, they achieved an outstanding pay victory. This is yet another example of Unite’s total focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions reaping rewards for our members.”   

Unite regional officer Nathan Allen said: “Our members remained united from start to finish, through the sunshine and rain, and have proved to the company they will no longer be part of a race to the bottom. This result shows what can be achieved when workers unionise.

“Those wanting to improve their wages and working lives should join Unite and organise their colleagues to join too.” 

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.