Government betrays lowest-paid by scrapping ‘living wage’ pledge

Posted on October 7, 2026 by unitetheunion

Move highlights need for collective bargaining legislation

Unite, which represents workers throughout the economy, today (Wednesday) blasted the government’s decision to scrap plans for a statutory ‘living wage’ to replace the current national minimum wage. The introduction of a new ‘living wage’ equating to 60 per cent of median earnings was originally scheduled for 2026.  The timeline was then pushed out to 2029. (See notes for editors regarding low pay definitions.)

Today, in a statement published on the Department of Enterprise website, the government abandoned its living wage timeline altogether.

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Budget 2027: Workers running to stand still as wealthiest win

Posted on October 6, 2026 by unitetheunion

Subsidising high prices no substitute for addressing costs at source

Government accused of ‘megaphone bargaining’ on public sector pay

Unite, which represents workers across the economy, said today (Tuesday) that Budget 2027 represents a giveaway to the wealthiest while workers run to stand still.

As workers face spiralling housing costs, Unite said that the government’s focus on subsidising high prices and incentivising private landlords – including shack-in-the-back landlords – is no substitute for a housing policy driven by public provision and focused on affordability.

The union also slammed the government’s decision to prioritise giveaways for the wealthy rather than measures such as a wealth tax which could help wean the public finances off transitory corporation taxes paid by a handful of multinationals.

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Pilgrims workers secure inflation busting pay improvement and end strike

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Unite the union NI

Workers vote overwhelmingly to accept above inflation deal which provides paid breaks to all

Members of Unite employed at Pilgrim’s Enniskillen site have voted overwhelmingly to accept an improved pay offer and end their dispute. The workers have taken six weeks of strike action in pursuit of improved pay.

The deal will see all shop floor workers receive a four per cent pay increase and will mean all workers are fully paid for breaks, ending a two-tier arrangement where some shifts were fully compensated and others not.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “This is a clear win for our Pilgrims’ members. This deal was achieved through workers being prepared to take strike action. This victory again demonstrates the best way to raise pay and conditions is joining Unite and get your colleagues to join as well.”

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Flahavan’s pay packets boosted by up to 21.5 per cent

Posted on September 27, 2026 by unitetheunion

New pay parity deal brings bakery operatives into line with mill workers

Unite win illustrates importance of collective organisation

Unite, which represents workers at Flahavan’s in Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford, said today (Sunday) that members have voted to accept a new pay deal which will be worth up to 21.5 per cent for some workers.

Following a long-running campaign by Unite, the deal finally ensures pay parity between mill and bakery operatives. As a result, bakery packers will receive a 13 per cent parity increase while bakery processors will receive a 21.5 per cent parity increase, both effective from 1 January 2026.

In addition, Unite has secured a general 3.5 per cent pay increase backdated to 1 January.

The deal will run until 30 June 2027.

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Job cuts at Smurfit-Westrock in Lurgan totally unjustified, Unite

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Unite the union NI
Job cuts at Smurfit-Westrock in Lurgan totally unjustified, Unite
 
Company recording bumper profits and dividends, but investment needed to modernise Lurgan site is withheld while Smurfit spends millions sponsoring Ryder Cup
Unite is warning that proposed job cuts by Smurfit-Westrock at its Lurgan site signals a first step in shutting the site entirely.
On Monday, the company announced plans to make 55 workers redundant (a third of the workforce). In talks with Unite, which represents the vast majority of the workforce, it cited cost pressures operating with old machinery. The factory is a major producer of corrugated cardboard for packaging but machinery at the plant has not been invested in for many years. Management explained to Unite that work currently conducted at Lurgan would transfer to a site in Dublin.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “There is absolutely no justification for these jobs cuts. Smurfit-Westrock is a hugely profitable company paying out hundreds of millions to shareholders every quarter.
 
“Instead of spending millions on golf tournaments, Tony Smurfit would be better off modernising his factories to future-proof his business.”

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