Greencore workers celebrate pay deal

Hundreds of workers supplying Sainsbury’s and Tesco are in line for inflation busting pay increases in time for Christmas, with drivers getting pay increases of up to 33 per cent and the lowest paid production workers in line for 21 per cent pay boost.

700 workers employed by Greencore at its Kiveton site in Sheffield are to receive the bumper pay increases just in time for Christmas.

Greencore, Kiveton makes prepared meals such as quiches and soups for major supermarkets including Tescos and Sainsbury’s.

The drivers who had been significantly underpaid will receive pay increases between 20 per cent and 33 per cent. The lowest paid drivers’ hourly rate will now rise from £10.86 to £14.00 and they will receive a bonus of £750.

Engineers will receive annual increases of between £1,840 and £3,480 and the lowest paid production workers have seen their pay increase by up to 21 per cent since April 2021.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said, “This is a fantastic pay deal just in time for Christmas. The workers have shown resilience and determination. As a result they have secured a significant pay boost and a stronger union. It’s more proof that Unite is a union that fights for jobs, pay and conditions. And wins.”

Greencore’s initial below inflation pay offers were rejected earlier on in the year and by October industrial action could not be ruled out. Following intensive negotiations Unite secured across the board increases for the workforce as well as boosting membership by a third and recruiting six new Unite workplace representatives.

Unite regional officer Chris Rawlinson added, “The pay deal negotiated by Unite is a great pre-Christmas boost for the workers who deserved fair pay. They stood together and made clear that industrial action was a real possibility.”

By Ciaran Naidoo