Packaging News
GMB corrugated workers reject CPI pay offer
Corrugated workers that are members of the GMB union have joined colleagues at Unite in rejecting a proposed 2.15% pay increase.
Some 3,500 workers in the corrugated sector are now preparing to vote on strike action early in the New Year after around 1,000 members of the GMB union joined Unite’s members in rejecting the offer made by the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI).
The offer was made in this year’s negotiations over a National Agreement between the GMB and Unite unions and the CPI’s three biggest members: DS Smith, Smurfit Kappa and SAICA.
Unite’s 2,500 members in the three companies voted nine to one to reject the offer earlier in the month.
The CPI argued that the offer was fair given the uncertain economic outlook and the continued difficulties that its members face with rising costs.
Alan Black, GMB national officer, told Packaging News: “The three companies have done relatively well in the last year and we think they can give us a better offer. 2.15% is significantly below what we think would be acceptable.”
Black said that a ballot on industrial action by both unions was now likely to happen in the New Year.
CPI director general David Workman said: “We are disappointed that the ballots have gone against a settlement and we hope that when it comes to this further ballot on strike action, employees will take a step back and think hard about whether it is the best way forward.”
While he acknowledged that the corrugated industry has posted profits in the last year, he said that the sector had gone through “a pretty torrid time” in recent years but had continued to give annual pay increases.
The threat of strike action could put pressure on a partnership between the unions and the CPI that has characterised recent relations and has led to progress in areas such as health and safety.
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