Escalating industrial dispute will impact supply of some leading UK brands Fridge Raiders, Richmond Sausages and Mr Brains Pork Faggots

Unite which represents approximately 130 workers employed by Pilgrims Europe at its Enniskillen production facility has announced it will begin all out (continuous) strike action beginning at 06.30 Wednesday 2 September. 

This marks a sharp escalation of the industrial dispute and follows three weeks of strikes. 

Workers are seeking a decent pay increase and an end to the current regime where morning shift workers are the only shift workers not getting fully paid breaks. The lowest paid workers receive an hourly rate of £12.82 - only eleven pence above the minimum wage. Pilgrims Europe's latest reported after-tax profit was £128 million.

The site produces a range of leading UK and Irish food brands including Fridge Raiders, Richmond Sausages, Mr Brains Pork Faggots, Denny sausages (Republic of Ireland), Rollover sausages (sold at football grounds) and vegan sausages. Fridge raiders are one of the most successful Pilgrims products and are targeted at lunchboxes and for younger consumers.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, "Pilgrims is a hugely profitable company making massive profits while its workers earn just pennies above the bare legal minimum. It can easily make its workers a fair offer but is choosing not to.

“Our members are determined to win an improved deal - they have the total support of Unite for as long as it takes to achieve that."

Unite regional officer Greg O'Kane said, "Management intransigence has left workers with no alternative but to escalate the strike. Strikes have already heavily impacted production and stocks.

“Pilgrims’ management needs to act now to end this dispute and avoid the risk of empty shelves just when schools are returning and demand for these products surges."

ENDS...

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