Strike action will paralyse production of manufacturer’s UHT milk products

Members of Unite, the union, employed at the Newtownards-based processor of UHT milk products, LE Pritchitt & Company Limited, have voted unanimously for strike action, having rejected a 6.2 per cent pay increase.  

The workers will commence strike action from 6am on Wednesday 21 February which will continue for seven days ending at 5.59am on 28 February. The planned strike action will bring production at the factory to a standstill.  

Pritchitt’s latest accounts, for the 12 months to the end of 2022, show a huge 40 per cent increase in revenues to £180.8 million from £129.3 million. Pre-tax profits at the company went up 63 per cent from £1.36 million to £2.21 million.  

Unite represents the overwhelming majority of production workers at the factory which employs approximately 200 people. The workers are seeking a vastly improved pay offer. The company is already struggling to recruit and retain new staff.  

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite members at Pritchitt fully deserve a decent pay deal. This company has enjoyed a huge increase in its turnover and profitability in the last year and it can well afford to pay its workers a fair pay increase.

“Unite does what it says on the trade union tin and always prioritises the jobs, pay and conditions of its members. The workers at Pritchitt will receive the union’s unfettered support.”

Unite regional officer Albert Hewitt said, “Strike action will result in an immediate shutdown in production at the site. The result will be an immediate impact on the availability of UHT milk products in local supermarkets. “Management need to immediately return to the negotiating table and make an offer that meets our members’ legitimate pay expectations.”