VFS auto workers celebrate pay win
Eastleigh VFS auto strikes end after Unite wins pay deal worth up to 14%
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Strike action at automotive assembly contractor VFS Southampton Ltd has ended after Unite secured a pay deal worth up to 14 per cent for the lowest paid.
The workers assemble large vehicles for Ford and Mercedes and took seven days of strike action in July and August. After an improved offer was put forward, they voted to accept.
The deal will see hourly pay rates for 2022 increase by between 11.65 and 14 per cent depending on salary.
As well as a percentage pay rise and the consolidation of the attendance bonus to increase wages, the deal contains improvements to sick pay and a new holiday pay agreement.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “By taking strike action, our members at VFS achieved a fair pay rise. This deal is another example of Unite’s total focus on winning better jobs, pay and conditions paying off for our members.”
VFS also agreed to begin pay negotiations for 2023 with Unite in November.
Unite regional coordinating officer Scott Kemp added, “By standing together, our VFS members achieved a decent pay increase and improvements to sick pay and holiday pay. Workers wanting similar deals should join Unite and organise within their workplaces for their colleagues to unionise.”
By Ryan Fletcher
