Yahoo News GMB Union members strike outside of North Shields factory after pay dispute
GMB Union members have been striking outside of a North Shields factory as a result of a pay dispute. According to GMB, 99.5% of the Formica workforce voted to reject a 3.25% pay rise.
In a written statement sent out ahead of today's strike action, GMB Union said: "Despite the union's efforts, Formica management has refused to get back round the negotiating table. The Formica Group has a worldwide turnover of more than £1 billion.
"This is a rolling strike with walk out dates initially scheduled for the next three weeks. Strike action will commence at 6am until 6pm this Thursday."
Joyce Guthrie, GMB regional organiser, said: "We have GMB Union members here at Formica on the Coast Road in North Shields taking strike action today, because management refused to get back around the table to talk to workers about pay. Two months ago, management tabled a pay rise for members, who overwhelmingly rejected that.
"The last two weeks has seen them take part in an overtime ban, and this is the first of some ban action days over the next three weeks. It's appalling, as this company has a £1 billion turnover worldwide, and all we are looking for is for our skilled workers to have a reasonable pay offer for the value of the work that they do.
"Hopefully, we can bring Formica back to the table, and we can have some realistic, grown up discussions about pay."
ChronicleLive reached out to Formica for a statement but are yet to receive a response.
The Coast Road company, part of the global Formica Group, has been making laminate products for the residential and commercial sectors for more than 70 years.
