Dismissal of workforce rep during pay negotiations will be fought for Unite by all means available

Unite is balloting its members at Nelipak, a manufacturer of sterile barrier systems for medical devices and pharmaceuticals, based in Derry/L’Derry, in a dispute over pay.

The low-paid workforce voted overwhelmingly to reject Nelipak’s inadequate pay offer. They are demanding the company become an accredited Living Wage employer, with workers being paid at least £13.45 an hour.

During the current pay dispute one of Unite’s workforce reps was dismissed and this has further damaged industrial relations at the site.

The ballot opens on Monday 16 March and closes on Thursday 2 April. If workers vote for industrial action, strikes could begin in the middle of next month.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “The dismissal of one of our reps during this dispute is completely unacceptable and will be fought by every means at our disposal.

“Nelipak is a highly profitable company. It’s high time it stopped paying poverty wages. The workers have the full support of their union in their fight.”

Nelipak’s latest accounts [end of 2024] confirm that financial success of the company. Sales for the year were £99.2 million with pre-tax profits of £17.2 million.

Unite regional officer Brenda Stevenson,, said “This workforce is determined to end the practice where pay deals are eaten up by retrospective minimum wage increases. Nelipak needs to show them some respect and become an accredited living wage employer.”

Unite organises the majority of the production and floor workers at the site. Any strike action at Nelipak would largely shut down the factory.

ENDS…

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