Concrete makers in Northern Ireland are on strike in anger at a below inflation pay offer
Dozens of GMB members at Acheson & Glover's (A&G) Toome site are in the midst of the company’s first strike in a generation. (see picture attached)
The workers, who make up more than 70 per cent of the workforce at the plant producing pavers and flagstones, will walk out for four days this week [27 – 30 August]
The dispute arose when staff were offered a 2.5 per cent pay increase for 2024/2025, representing a real terms pay cut with RPI inflation at 3.1 per cent. Meanwhile this week the company announced pre-tax profits of £3.4m.
Alan Perry, Senior Organiser, said:
“GMB members have been pushed to the brink by years of below-inflation pay rises and enough is enough.
“The majority of our members at Toome earn less than the Real Living Wage.
“They won't be intimidated by management's threats. This strike is about dignity and securing a fair wage for the hard-working employees who keep this business running and build the profits announced today.
“It's unacceptable that workers with decades of service are barely earning above minimum wage while the company ignores their contributions.
“This fight is about ensuring that the value of our members' skills and dedication is recognised and rewarded, we are more than happy to meet with management to find a resolution whenever they wish to open dialogue with us.”
