WORKERS at the Trelleborg factory in Bridgwater went on strike last week after turning down a 5.2 per cent pay offer.
Trelleborg supplies seals to aerospace, auto, medical, food and energy firms.
Its clients include Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Airbus, the Ministry of Defence and Carl Zeiss.
The Unite union says more than 200 Trelleborg workers in Tewkesbury (Gloucestershire) and Bridgwater took industrial action between Monday, May 2 and Friday, May 5.
It says the industrial action will intensify if the dispute is not resolved.
Workers took to picket lines outside the Bridgwater factory, located on Dunball Industrial Estate, throughout the week.
Unite says the 5.2 per cent pay offer amounts to a ‘real terms pay cut’ of 8.3 per cent when the true rate of inflation is taken into account (13.5 per cent).
Trelleborg Seal Solutions’ latest financial report shows a turnover of £96.6 million and gross profits of £28.8 million.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Trelleborg is making big profits yet is demanding its workers swallow a substantial real terms pay cut.
“All our members are demanding is a decent wage rise, which the employer can undoubtedly afford to pay.
“Unite is winning for workers and will support our members at Trelleborg to get what they deserve.”
Solidarity to our members at the Trelleborg Bridgwater and Tewkesbury sites today, on their fifth day of strike action. ✊#unitetheunion continue to support our members, fighting for the real pay rise that they deserve! pic.twitter.com/nGvdqzM61f
— Unite South West (@unitesouthwest) May 5, 2023
Unite regional officer Amy Roberts said: “Trelleborg’s client will not be happy at the disruption caused to their supply chains because of the company’s out and out greed.
“Trelleborg must return to the negotiating table with an offer our members can accept.”
A spokesperson for Trelleborg Sealing Solutions said: “We are aware that members of the Unite Union in our Bridgwater and Tewkesbury facilities took industrial action between May 2 and 5 in relation to their pay claim.
“Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has made all UK employees a reasonable pay proposal and we will continue to engage with Unite to resolve the matter.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel