Drivers and engineers at one of Northern Ireland’s biggest agri-food businesses have voted to accept an improved pay deal, ending industrial action.
Workers at Dale Farm sites in Cookstown, Ballymena, Omagh and Enniskillen were due to begin a three day strike on Wednesday, with action due to escalate week on week.
However, trade union Unite said its members have now voted “decisively” to accept an extra 4.75% offer made by management, bringing any planned strike action to an end.
Its general secretary Sharon Graham said the workers have “scored a clear win on pay”.
Dale Farm is a farmer-owned co-op which produces its own branded products such as Dromona butter, as well as providing ingredients to other companies.
The new offer marks a “significant improvement” from the previous offer of 3%, Unite added.
Drivers at the four Dale Farm sites are set to receive an additional increase on their bulk tank allowance.
Engineers will also get an additional maintenance payment – both of which are worth 1.75%.
Simon Hall, Unite’s regional officer for the workforce, said the improved offer goes “some way” towards improving rates of pay for a skilled workforce.
“We will continue to build union strength with the aim of ensuring Dale Farm’s success is properly shared with its employees,” he added.
