Unite wins of the year - Chep
On the fourth day of Christmas, UniteLive looks back at victory for workers at Chep pallet suppliers, who secured a 14% pay rise
Reading time: 3 min
2022 has been the year of Unite wins – under general secretary Sharon Graham, Unite has had more victories in the workplace than it can count. As part of our special 12 days of Christmas series, UniteLive looks back at a handful of the many wins we’ve had in every month throughout the year.
Today, we reflect on a key win in April.
Unite members at Chep based in Trafford Park in Manchester celebrated in April after voting to accept an inflation-beating pay deal and to end their long running, 21 week strike.
The workers received a 9 per cent pay increase which on average is worth £2,500. Other elements of the deal, including a £1000 lump sum and three extra days of annual leave this year, mean that the total package is worth as much as 14 per cent at a time when real inflation (RPI) was running at 9 per cent.
The company also agreed to address the union’s concerns about excessive disciplinary sanctions and to further talks to address pay parity with other Chep sites.
The Unite members, employed by the pallet supplier, had been on strike since December 2021 and were in the process of being balloted to continue their industrial action into the summer.
The workers had been calling on the company to increase pay to help address the cost of living crisis facing the workers and to recognise their contribution through the pandemic.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “I’m very proud of Unite’s reps and members at Chep. This was a tough dispute but the workers stood their ground and won an excellent deal. The workers knew that the company could afford a fair wage so they kept up the fight and they won.
“This victory is more proof that Unite is, without a doubt, dedicated to improving the pay, terms and conditions of its members.
Unite regional officer Ian McCluskey added, “Chep has finally listened and acted. Thanks to the bravery of the workers at Trafford Park the company has delivered a pay deal that recognises the workers’ contribution through the pandemic and addresses the cost of living crisis. The workers can now get back to work with their heads held high.”
Stay tuned tomorrow for Unite wins.
By UniteLive team
