Baxter Storey workers who won 19% pay rise last year after striking also sign recognition agreement during HeartUnions Week

Drax power station canteen workers employed by Baxter Storey have secured a five per cent pay rise for 2025 negotiated by Unite, the UK’s leading union.

The predominantly women workers, who took strike action last year to win a 19 per cent increase, also celebrated the signing of a recognition agreement between Unite and Baxter Storey yesterday.

The agreement means they have collective bargaining rights when it comes to pay and employment conditions.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Since unionising Drax’s canteen workers fought for better wages and won a huge uplift in 2024. But the good news didn’t end there: because they were organised, an above inflation pay rise was secured for this year too. They now also have formalised collective bargaining rights to negotiate wages and conditions for years to come.”

The recognition agreement was signed during the TUC’s HeartUnions week which highlights why unions are vital for everyone at work and encourages people who aren't yet in a union to join. HeartUnions week runs from the 10 to 16 February every year.

Unite regional officer Chris Rawlinson said: “A huge well done to Drax’s canteen staff. They are an inspiration to workers across the country and have shown exactly why it pays to be in a union.”

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.