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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Public sector pay: Time running out for government to make inflation-beating pay offer

Posted on September 17, 2026 by unitetheunion

Government told to stop dithering as Unite National Dispute Committee meets

Following an overwhelming mandate for industrial action, Unite’s National Dispute Committee, comprising elected shop stewards across the public sector, met today (Thursday) to finalise plans for strike action on 14 October.

The action is being coordinated by the ICTU Public Services Committee and will result in widespread disruption as workers throughout the public sector down tools in pursuit of inflation-beating pay increases.

With inflation currently running at 3.7 per cent, workers are facing an escalating cost-of-living crisis. In August, Unite’s cost-of-living tracker survey of public sector members found that a growing number have fallen behind on essential payments or been forced to borrow simply to meet household costs. See notes to editor.

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Department of economy must investigate use of agency workers at Pilgrims during strike

Posted on September 14, 2026 by Unite the union NI
Employment agency, Staffline Group plc, advertised for immediate start positions at Pilgrims after Unite wrote to raise need for compliance with agency regulations
Unite has formally complained to the department of economy’s employment agency inspectorate over Pilgrim Europe’s illegal use of agency workers during the strike at the company’s Enniskillen factory. The union has demanded the inspectorate to immediately investigate the number of agency workers being used by Pilgrims and whether they are performing duties undertaken by employees participating in industrial action.
Workers are entering their sixth week of strike action for a fair pay increase and an end to a two-tier system of paid breaks. The strike has severely impacted production at the site which produces a range of Pilgrims products, including Fridge Raiders, Richmond and Denny sausages and Mr Brains Pork faggots.
Under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations (NI) 2005 Act, it is a criminal offence for employment agencies to supply labour to employers specifically for the purposes of covering work normally covered by employees who are taking part in lawful industrial action.
Unite wrote to Staffline Group to formally advise the agency of its responsibilities on 28 July and has now written to raise concerns with the inspectorate.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Pilgrims is desperately trying to continue production, rather than give the workers a fair pay increase. It’s illegal to bring agency workers in to cover striking workers and this matter must immediately be investigated and action taken.
Unite regional officer Greg O’Kane said: “Over the last few weeks, we know the number of workers being bussed into Pilgrims daily from Armagh has surged. In recent days, the agency posted advertisements for immediate start positions at the factory. The department of economy needs to act urgently to ensure the right of workers to undertake lawful industrial action is protected.”
Unite previously wrote to the Health and Safety Executive NI asking them to investigate concerns about Pilgrims production during the dispute on 28 August 2026.
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