Pay offer went from nothing to 6.5% after workers voted to strike

Nearly 1,200 Princess Yachts workers will receive a 6.5 per cent pay rise after a successful industrial action ballot, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

The workers voted in favour of strike action after being told their wages would stay the same during pay negotiations.

Following the strike ballot, the company put forward a 6.5 per cent offer from September, which the workers voted in favour of accepting.

The pay rise means those on the lowest pay grades will see their wages increase by between £2,000 and £3,000 a year.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a huge victory for the Princess Yachts workers, who by sticking together in their union and voting for strike action forced the company back to the table. This is yet another example of how Unite’s absolute dedication to improving jobs, pay and condition is paying dividends for our members.”

The workers voted in favour of industrial action during a ballot that closed on 6 August. No strike action took place or was scheduled due to successful negotiations with the company.

Unite regional officer Mark Richards said: “This deal could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of Unite’s workplace representatives. This goes to show that those wanting better 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

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