Ardagh Group staff accept pay deal

Ardagh Group employees have accepted a 6% pay rise over two years.

Staff at the packaging organisation’s glass sites in Yorkshire and Scotland, who are members of the union Unite, have voted in favour (80%) of accepting the pay rise, which is an improvement on the 5.5% that had previously been offered. 

The improved offer is 2.75% from 1 February to 1 August 2013, at which time a further 0.25% will be paid until 31 January 2014. All pay will be backdated.

There is also a 3% pay offer for the year starting on 1 February 2014.

Tas Sangha, deputy regional secretary for Yorkshire at Unite, said: “Unite and the GMB union worked very hard to get this improved offer from the organisation. We recommended that our members accepted it, and we are pleased that they have now voted overwhelmingly to do so.

“The organisation has flagged up that it would like a better relationship with the unions and we will be working constructively to improve relations with management and chart a positive future for all concerned.”

A spokesperson from Ardagh said: “We are pleased to have been able work together to reach an offer that has now been accepted in a ballot by our employees, and thus avoid the negative consequences of industrial action.

“We confirm that there is a willingness from both sides to work on building a better relationship and give our commitment to making this happen.”