Strikes at engineering firm John Crane have been called off after Unite members accepted an improved pay offer.

Forty workers at the Slough-based company were due to walk out again from 27 May to 31 May and on 5 and 11 June in a dispute about pay.

However, they have now voted to accept an improved offer of 3.75 per cent, backdated to October 2024.

This is part of a two-year deal with the workers, who make seals, bearings and pumps for the oil and gas industry, also set to receive a three per cent uplift at the start of this coming October.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This improved offer only came about because our members were determined to fight for a better deal through industrial action. They have shown there is power in being a member of Unite."

The workers had previously undertaken six days of strike action in April and May, causing supply chain disruption.

As part of the improved offer, John Crane also dropped plans to give staff individual appraisals to determine pay going forward, meaning collective bargaining with Unite is maintained. 

Unite regional officer Malcolm Bonnett said: “The workers at John Crane showed great strength and unity on the picket line during this dispute and have been rewarded with a win.

“We are especially proud to have retained collective bargaining at John Crane. There is still more work to be done when it comes to pay and we look forward to negotiating with John Crane going forward to continue winning for our members.”

ENDS

Notes to editors 

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org