Briar Chemicals staff begin strike vote

More than 100 workers at agrochemical firm Briar Chemicals Ltd in Norwich will begin voting in a formal strike ballot in a row over pay. 

The workers, who are represented by GMB Union and work in operational, engineering, maintenance and technical roles, recently voted 97 per cent to reject a pay offer that would have seen them receive no pay rise in year one and just 1 per cent in year two.

They also voted 87 per cent in favour of industrial action in an indicative ballot.

The formal ballot will close on Tuesday 13 October. 

Keith Dixon, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

"The workforce emphatically rejected the company's pay offer and management should be under no illusion about the strength of feeling amongst employees.

"Our members have sent a clear message that they expect a pay settlement which properly recognises their skills, commitment, and contribution.

"Industrial action is always a last resort and GMB remains ready to engage in meaningful negotiations.

"There is still time to resolve this dispute without disruption, but Briar must return to the table with an improved offer that addresses the concerns of the workforce."