Briar Chemicals staff vote for strike action

More than 100 workers at agrochemical firm Briar Chemicals Ltd in Norwich will take part in strike action in a row over pay.

The workers, who are represented by GMB Union and work in operational, engineering, maintenance and technical roles, voted 91 per cent in favour of striking on a 78 per cent turnout.

The strike will effectively bring Briar Chemicals operations to a standstill.

The workers are taking action after they almost unanimously rejected a pay offer that would have seen them receive no pay rise in year one and just 1 per cent in year two.

Briar Chemicals have so far failed to make an improved offer.

Keith Dixon, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

"This ballot should leave management in no doubt about the anger and frustration among our members.

"No pay rise this year and just 1 per cent next year is essentially a significant pay cut, especially with the rising cost of living.

"Our members will not accept this, and they know what their skills, experience, and hard work are worth.

"Failing to properly reward their workers will only cost Briar Chemicals more in the long run."