Briar Chemicals faces strike vote

Workers at Briar Chemicals in Norwich are voting on strike action in a dispute over pay.

GMB Union has been negotiating with the company since November 2023, currently the only offer on the table is for a dental plan.

More than 160 workers feel they are not being taken seriously and a vote for industrial action is the only way to make the company listen.

GMB members are asking for an 8 per cent pay rise over two -years.

The strike ballot runs until 23 July.

Ashley Foster, GMB regional organiser, said:

“Staff understand the company’s current financial challenges, but this is not the fault of their highly skilled workforce who collectively work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“A chemical factory always has the potential to be a deadly environment, not only for staff, but for anybody living in the proximity of the factory.

"Staff at Briar Chemicals not only work hard every day to make products, but they also work hard to maintain the sites safety, protecting lives, properties and businesses in the area.

“In the past Briar Staff have been willing to accept below inflation pay rises to help out the company, but this year they have decided enough is enough and they should no longer have to suffer for the company’s inability to sell their products.

"The offer of a dental plan has failed to put a smile on GMB members' faces."