Improved pay and T&Cs for workers with no industrial action needed
Unite, Scotland’s leading trade union, has successfully negotiated improved pay and terms and conditions for its members at Merson Signs based in East Kilbride.
Around 20 Unite members will benefit from a five per cent on average increase due to a reduction in the working week of two hours with no loss of pay, and a four day working week.
There is also an element of pay backdated to the 1 January on the basis of this new working agreement which is worth up to £250.
Unite members previously backed industrial action by 100 per cent in order to secure the pay award but the threat of strike action resulted in a revised offer from Merson’s which was accepted by the workers.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Unite is delivering for our members at Merson’s in East Kilbride. The deal only came about because our members were determined to stand and fight for a better deal through strike action if needs be. It’s a deal which secures better jobs, pay and conditions for these skilled workers.”
Merson’s design, manufacture and install signage, cladding and other branded products for clients across the retail, grocery, automotive, rail, airport, and banking sectors in Scotland.
The workers who will benefit from the pay award include machine operators, metal and paint shop workers, welders, and sign makers.
Unite industrial officer Debbie Hutchings added: " Unite is pleased that we were able to negotiate successfully for this pay award at Merson’s without needing to resort to industrial action. The deal will ensure that the skilled workforce get a better work and life balance without any loss of pay, and it was overwhelmingly backed by our members.”
ENDS
Notes to editor
For media enquiries please contact Andrew Brady on 07810157922. 
Email andrew.brady@unitetheunion.org 
Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members. The union is led in Scotland by Derek Thomson.