Workers at cable manufacturing organisation Prysmian Cables and Systems in Eastleigh, Hampshire, have ended a long-running industrial dispute by voting overwhelmingly for a two-year pay deal.
The trade union Unite, which has 162 members within Prysmian Cables and Systems, stated that the workforce voted 85% in favour of a 2% increase for 2018, backdated to January, and a 2.5% rise for 2019.
The organisation’s workers had previously rejected a 2% pay offer for the year starting January 2018. A series of 24-hour strikes took place in September and October, along with a work to rule, including an overtime ban.
On 10 October 2018, workers marched into Eastleigh town centre to attend a rally addressed by Tony Burke, assistant general secretary for manufacturing at Unite.
On 9 October 2018, Unite reported that production at the manufacturer had been cut by a third as a result of these instances of industrial action. Management was reported to have reduced the production target for October from 1,200 to 800 tonnes.
Debbie Watson, Unite regional coordinating officer, said: “We are pleased that our members have accepted an improved offer following a campaign of industrial action. I would like to praise the solidarity our members have shown during this testing time and the big-hearted support they have received from the local community.
“Our members are now working normally and Unite is looking forward to a constructive dialogue with the management as we move forward.”
A spokesperson for Prysmian said: “This is an active conversation between the company and staff, and Prysmian do not wish to comment at present.”