Factory workers strike after pay dispute

Hundreds of employees at McBrides in Middleton took part in a 24 hour strike on Thursday (10 December) in a dispute over pay.

Picket lines were manned outside the Middleton Way factory after talks to avert the strike failed to reach an agreement.

The company offered employees a 2.3% rise with bonuses but employees complained that those bonuses could not be achieved.

The strike came after the company failed to get an injunction in the High Court in Manchester to stop the strike.

McBride employs 500 workers the majority of whom are members of GMB Union.

The company produces own label household goods like soaps and personal hygiene products for supermarkets including Tesco and Carrefour. It has seen sales surge during the recession as consumers trade down from branded products.

Most of the workers are paid not much more than the national minimum wage of £5.80 per hour.

McBride posted £36.2m in annual pre-tax profits to the end of June which is a 34% rise on last year.

Sandra Blight, GMB Officer, said: “GMB did not recommended that our members who are paid not much more than the national minimum wage and who work for this profitable company should accept the offer. A “2.3%” offer which includes a bonus that can not be earned was balloted on and rejected by the membership around three weeks ago.

"I do not believe that it is in anybody’s interest to be taking action and I hope this situation can be resolved without the further stoppages that are planned and which will take place if the offer is not improved. We are always happy to speak to the company at any time.

"The picket line has been peaceful and effective. The only vehicles crossing the lines are Eddie Stobbart HGV trucks picking up supplies for Tesco supermarkets.”