Workers will stand strong until they win the dignity and respect they deserve
Almost 100 workers at a Durham chemical company will take part in a strike vote over a real terms pay cut.
GMB members at Thomas Swan, in Consett, are angry after the company offered them zero per cent and misled them over whether the company was in profit.
The ballot opens on Monday, 24 October and closes on Friday, 11 November.
A revised offer of 5.1 per cent – capped at £1,000, meaning the vast majority of the workforce would get even less – was overwhelmingly rejected.
Andrew Blunt, GMB Organiser, said:
"GMB members worked through the pandemic - putting their families at risk to keep the business afloat.
“Now they’re asking Thomas Swan to give them something back – a pay increase that will help them to continue to feed their families.
“Bosses initially offered zero per cent, while hiding the true extent of company profits, sparking a deep feeling of mistrust with the workforce.
“They will not stand by and be insulted. In total, 95 per cent voted in favour of industrial action in a indicative ballot - they will stand strong until they win the dignity and respect they deserve.”
