Workers at Pilgrims Europe’s site in Enniskillen have entered the fifth week of strike action in their pay dispute. The dispute has severely impacted production at the site which produces a range of high-profile products including Fridge Raiders, Richmond sausages and Mr Brain’s pork faggots.

Meanwhile, a survey of members has revealed that workers are on the breadline due to poverty wages. Workers are paid as little as £12.82 an hour.

The survey revealed a staggering 81 per cent had cut back on food as a result of financial pressures. 79 per cent said they worked overtime to make ends meet and 15 per cent worked a second (or in one case a third job to get by.

Money is so tight that 39 per cent of workers have reported having to borrow from a bank or credit union, 22 per cent from friends and family and three per cent had borrowed from a loan shark.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “The results of this survey are appalling. This is a cruel irony that workers in a food factory can’t afford to feed their families. Any decent employer would ensure this grave injustice didn’t continue, this is a highly profitable company that is choosing to line its pockets while its workers go hungry.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has experienced some of the highest increases in housing prices in Northern Ireland including a 11.0 per cent annual increase on the last quarter.

Unite regional officer Greg O’Kane, said: “The strike action is sharply impacting production. Instead of trying to break the strike, Pilgrims would be better making an improved pay offer to end the dispute.”

Pilgrims Europe’s latest published accounts show an after-tax profit of £128 million.

ENDS…