Glen Dimplex workers from Community Union take pay rise call to street

Community Union members from the Glen Dimplex factory in Whiston took their cause to the streets today with a march and rally in Prescot town centre.

The union says staff from the home appliance firm received support from members of the public as they marched through the town at lunchtime today, Wednesday, August 9.

Community Union members held a march in Prescot (Image: Community Union)

The march culminated in a rally at Prescot Parish Church, where senior union officials gave their backing to the workforce's demand for "skilled pay for skilled work".

What is the dispute about?

The workforce from Glen Dimplex's site on Stoney Lane began their course of industrial action on Monday following the failure to reach an agreement between the company and the union on pay after nine months of talks. 

The Community Union claims many of the skilled manufacturing workers at the company's Stoney Lane factory are currently paid the minimum wage.

Community Union members in Prescot today (Image: Community Union)

In its call for higher pay for members, the Union Earlier this summer referenced reports that the Dublin-headquartered company had quadrupled its profits last year from €11m to €42.8m; increasing overall turnover to €944m Euros. 

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The union adds that the company’s position following pay talks to reduce the working week whilst not moving on pay is one which Community members have found "unacceptable".

Community Union members from Glen Dimplex held a march and rally in Prescot today (Image: Community Union)

'9 frustrating months of talks'

Roy Rickhuss CBE, general secretary of Community Union said: "Glen Dimplex workers in Prescot are experienced and dedicated. It is disappointing that the company have failed to recognise this by meeting the workforce's reasonable request for a pay rise - even after nine frustrating months of talks. 

"Community Union remains ready to meet with the company for constructive discussions."

Community's assistant general secretary Alasdair McDiarmid, who was among the speakers at the rally in Prescot today, added: "Community members at Glen Dimplex did not want to resort to strike action this week, but have been left with no choice by the company. 

"The public in Prescot are right behind the workforce in their demand for a pay rise to recognise the dedication staff have shown to the company over many years, as well as the skilled work they undertake."

The march took place today (Image: Community Union)

Gavin Miller, Community Union's national officer for Light Industries, said: "Community Union reps have tabled several suggestions to try and reach a conclusion to talks with Glen Dimplex, but company representatives have dismissed all these ideas out of hand. 

"Glen Dimplex's lack of willingness to engage with the concerns of the loyal, long-serving workforce at the Prescot factory - skilled workers who the company will soon be reliant on to build new product ranges - is both counterproductive and shoddy. 

"It's not too late for the company to resolve this and get back around the table with a renewed offer on pay."

The Glen Dimplex factory on Stoney Lane (Image: Google Street View)

When approached by the Star about the dispute, a Glen Dimplex Home Appliances spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that members of the Community Union, who are employed by Glen Dimplex Home Appliances at our Prescot site, have announced their intention to strike for two weeks from August 7, in a dispute over pay.

“We have been in discussions with our colleagues, via representatives of the Community Union, for some time with regards their pay increase demands, with the aim of reaching an acceptable outcome.  A revised pay offer was made but that has recently been rejected.

“As a business, we have always paid our colleagues a competitive salary above minimum wage. This year we offered a significant pay increase along with a change to a shorter, four-day working week.

"However, this was rejected and pending a collective agreement some of our colleagues find themselves earning minimum wage following the national minimum wage increase in April this year.

“Manufacturing at the Prescot site will continue at reduced levels during the industrial action."