Unite can confirm today (15 January) that over 280 Bosch Rexroth workers based in Glenrothes have secured a major victory over jobs, pay and conditions. 

The workers have accepted a four per cent pay increase alongside the threat of redundancies, fire and rehire practices and short term working being removed by Bosch Rexroth following strike action by the workers during the festive period.  

Bosch Rexroth workers had emphatically rejected moves by the company to drastically cut monthly pay by up to 40 per cent initially, and then by 22 per cent, through changes to short-term working patterns. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Bosch Rexroth workers took on the company by bravely taking strike action during the festive period. It was this resolve which brought the company back to the negotiating table and forced it to drop its draconian proposals.“

It’s a significant win which demonstrates the invaluable role which being a member of Unite has in the defence of jobs, pay and conditions.” 

Unite negotiators praised the role of the conciliation service Acas as being significant to Bosch Rexroth dropping its pay cut plans. The German owned company engineer’s parts for the construction industry including gears and brakes, as well as parts for forklift trucks. Bosch Rexroth, a subsidiary of Bosch, has made profits after tax of over £36m in the last four years (see notes to editors).  

Unite industrial officer George Ramsay said: “We are pleased that Bosch Rexroth finally listened to its skilled and dedicated workers by removing the threat to slash pay and job security. 

“The conciliation service Acas also played a valuable role in the resolution of the dispute which must be acknowledged. 

“Unite has also been able to secure a decent pay rise for the workers which was only possible because of the determination of our members to stand firm.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editors: 

Profit after tax in 2024 (£721K); 2023 (£14.05m); 2022 (£12.4m); 2021 (£8.92m). 

For media enquiries related to this release ONLY contact: Andrew Brady on 07810 157922 or andrew.brady@unitetheunion.org