Chocolate workers in pay win

Unite has secured a 10 per cent pay increase for around 200 workers at the Barry Callebaut chocolate factory in Banbury, Oxfordshire.

The one-year deal pay deal means the workers, who are production operatives and technicians, will see their salaries, bonuses and pensions increase by 10 per cent.

The deal was secured without the need for industrial action.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “When employers can afford to put forward a decent pay rise, we are determined to ensure that they do. Once again, Unite’s total focus on boosting jobs, pay and conditions has delivered for our members. This deal could not have been achieved without the efforts of our representatives at Barry Callebaut and the support of Unite members.”

Belgium-Swiss Barry Callebaut’s Banbury factory produces chocolate and cocoa products for a number of high-profile companies including Cadbury, Nestle and Mars.

Unite regional officer Chris Moon added, “This pay deal represents a fair and equitable increase to keep our members’ earnings in line with the cost-of-living crisis pressures they are facing. It also recognises the company’s strong performance following Covid and the loyalty of its workforce throughout that difficult period.”

By Ryan Fletcher