GMB, the trade union for members working at heavy building materials supplier, Forterra’s Newbury site, have announced strike action after a pay dispute
Earlier in December, the GMB members at Forterra voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action in a fight for pay parity: on a turnout of almost 80%, and 100% voted for strike action.
Asia Allison, GMB Regional Organiser said: “GMB has been asking for pay parity with no detriment to other terms and conditions. Since the ballot in December 2018, we have made some progress in negotiations and although we welcome the management’s proposal of pay parity on the base rate with a sister site in another Region, not at the cost of compromising overtime rates.
“GMB are fully committed to making improvements to the existing terms and conditions and fully disagree with any detrimental cuts to achieve the initial aim which the directors were proposing. Regrettably, we hit a brick wall and a breakdown in negotiations left us with no other option apart from strike action.
“The fact that our members voted 100% for strike action, shows the depth of anger and frustration GMB members feel at the outrageous attitude adopted by this profitable company. GMB members were underpaid and disadvantage for a number of years and it is disgusting that the management believes it’s a ‘fair deal’, to finally give them the pay they deserved and should have in the first place but, cut the overtime rates at the same time.
“GMB members are now calling on directors to address this matter appropriately, and bring pay in line with the other site without any compromise to existing terms and conditions.
“We believe that the time has come to draw a line in the sand and say, ‘NO MORE, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH’.”
The intended dates of strike are 19 March at 6am until 20 March, 6am and 21 March at 6am until 22 March, 6am.
