Glen Dimplex workers at Whiston accept 'enhanced' pay offer

The agreement brings a close to five weeks of industrial action at Glen Dimplex's Whiston factory, with a strike set to end at the end of today.

Community Union members at the Stoney Lane site began their course of strike action over pay and conditions on August 7, with a march taking place shortly afterwards through nearby Prescot town centre in support of the union's call for skilled pay for skilled work, and opposing the company's initial plan to cut the working week to four days.

The union says that this action will now end after workers at the home appliances company were balloted on "an improved offer" from the company this morning, Tuesday, which included a pay increase for staff and the retention of a five-day (37-hour) working week pattern.

Community Union members opted to accept the offer, with 80.6 per cent voting in favour of the new terms.

Glen Dimplex workers will now return to work on Wednesday, September 13.

READ > Beautician fulfils dream of opening own salon

'A significantly improved offer'

Gavin Miller, Community Union's National Officer for Light Industries, said: "The last five weeks have been a challenging time for workers at Glen Dimplex and their families. The workforce did not want to go on strike, but felt there was no other option in the circumstances.

"After prolonged and often robust talks with Community Union representatives, I am very pleased to report that the company has listened to the concerns of the workforce and tabled a significantly improved offer on pay which our members have now accepted.

"This ends a stalemate which had stretched on for 10 months, and we are now hopeful that the normal pay talks process will begin again with a clean slate next year.

"Our members at Glen Dimplex deserve enormous credit for the dignity and decency they have shown during a difficult and often frustrating period of industrial action."

A march was held by Community Union members in Prescot last month (Image: Community Union)

Mr Miller added: "I know that their common-sense campaign for skilled pay for skilled work resonated with the public, and will also have struck a chord with workers in other businesses and sectors who feel under-valued and under-compensated.

"The positive outcome of this dispute shows the value of union membership for workers, and our reps on site can be proud of the work they have done.

"This is a good day for Glen Dimplex workers and a good day for manufacturing on Merseyside."