Approximately 40 members of Unite have entered the eighth day of strike action at Haldane-Fisher in Newry. The strike is a result of the workers rejecting a below-inflation, 2.5 per cent pay increase imposed by management.

Haldane-Fisher has its own network of shops but its Newry supply store is central to its supply trade to builders’ merchants across the Republic of Ireland. The strike has severely impacted deliveries and raises the prospect of significant disruption to the construction sector – coming at a time when contractors traditionally seek to finish work before the holiday period.

Haldane-Fisher group’s latest accounts [year to end 2024] show after-tax profits of £1.9 million and a dividend paid to the company’s shareholders of £3.5 million. In the four years of published accounts since 2021 the pay of the highest paid director increased 27 per cent to £154k while average (inflation adjusted) pay for workers fell by four per cent in real terms.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Haldane-Fisher is a highly successful business, but its low paid workforce has seen their pay packets fall further and further behind. Meanwhile, management has ensured their pay outstripped inflation and paid dividends to shareholders that dwarfed the company’s profits.

“The workers at Haldane-Fisher have the full support of Unite for as long as it takes to secure pay justice and respect.”

Haldane-Fisher management have refused to enter Labour Relations Agency mediated negotiations to resolve the dispute.

Unite regional officer Sean Smyth said, “Newry is at the heart of Haldane-Fisher’s trade supply. This strike has severely impacted deliveries to builders merchants and that impact will only grow. Management needs to understand the longer this strike continues the greater the risk of long-term reputational damage.

“Management know what they must do to end this disruption. They need to return to the negotiating table with a pay offer that meets our members pay expectations.”

ENDS…

Note to editors: Haldane-Fisher group after-tax profits totalled £9.3 million over the last four years – less than half the total paid out to shareholders – totalling £20.3 million in the same period.

For further information or to arrange an interview contact Donal O'Cofaigh, Unite campaigns, communications & press (NI), tel. 07810 157926.