GMB Scotland members continue strike at vitamin plant
GMB Scotland members overwhelming vote to continue strike at vitamin plant
GMB Scotland members have overwhelmingly voted to continue strike action at a multinational’s nutrition plant in North Ayrshire in a dispute over bonus payments.
The industrial action, now in its fourth week, could continue for another five after 80% of the workers backed another wave.
The industrial action began at 6am 18 April at Royal DSM, in North Dalry, as around 50 repair and maintenance workers fight for the incentive payments detailed in national pay agreements for engineering and construction workers. Contractors Altrad Babcock and Kaefer have so far refused to discuss the hourly bonus pay.
The initial three weeks of action were followed by a vote for another three weeks of continuous action before a ballot yesterday overwhelmingly backed another three-week wave, which after giving employers notice, will take the strike well into June.
Royal DSM manufacture a range of vitamins for humans and animals at the Ayrshire factory with the company supplying to some multinational household brands including Coca-Cola, Berroca and Pantene.
GMB Scotland organiser Dominic Pritchard said: “It was not our choice to have this dispute and it would not have been necessary if these two firms had engaged with us in any meaningful way.
“Our members are due these bonus payments and, as a matter of principle, are ready to fight for them.
“Their refusal to do so seems short-sighted and has led to an industrial action which will undoubtedly be impacting on the good-running of the plant.
“The vote to continue this strike for up to nine weeks is only one signal of the strength of will of our members and sends a message to managers to review their current position and allow negotiations to begin.”
More than 400 staff and around 150 to 200 contractors work at DSM at Dalry making vitamins and nutrients.
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Contact: GMB Scotland Communications on 07738 486317 or email gmbscotcampaigns@gmb.org.uk
