Glen Dimplex workers end strike action following improved pay offer

Around 160 staff at the Glen Dimplex home appliances factory in Whiston have ended industrial action after accepting an enhanced pay offer.

The Community Union members will conclude their current strike action at midnight tonight (September 12), bringing to an end five weeks of industrial action.

They began their course of strike action over pay and conditions on August 7, with a march taking place through nearby Prescot town centre in support of the union’s pay rise campaign, and opposing the company’s initial plan to cut the working week to four days.

Staff voted this morning on a deal which included a pay increase and the retention of a five day, 37 hour, working week pattern. The ballot showed that 80.6% voted in favour of the new terms. Staff will return to work on Wednesday, September 13.

Gavin Miller, Community Union’s national officer for light industries, said: “The last five weeks have been a challenging time for workers at Glen Dimplex and their families. The workforce did not want to go on strike, but felt there was no other option in the circumstances.

“After prolonged and often robust talks with Community Union representatives, I am very pleased to report that the company has listened to the concerns of the workforce and tabled a significantly improved offer on pay which our members have now accepted.

“This ends a stalemate which had stretched on for 10 months, and we are now hopeful that the normal pay talks process will begin again with a clean slate next year.”

He added: “This is a good day for Glen Dimplex workers and a good day for manufacturing on Merseyside.”

Glen Dimplex has been contacted for comment.