More than 500 workers at agricultural machinery firm CNH Industrial are going on strike over the company's 鈥榖roken pay promise'.
Staff at the Basildon-based factory in Essex, which produces tractors for the New Holland Agriculture and Case IH brands, have voted for direct action saying the company reneged on an agreement struck during 2022, stating pay increases would be calculated by the average rate of inflation over the year.
According to Unite, CNH听Group reported record profits of 拢2.4 billion in 2023, which it says are forecast to remain high for the next three years, meaning pay promises made to workers should be honoured.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:听"The pay deal with听CNH听was agreed in good faith and the company's extremely healthy finances show that there is absolutely no reason whatsoever for it not to be adhered to.
"CNH听is simply trying to rake in even more profits by short-changing its workers."
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Nine days of strikes are planned which will, according to the union, seriously compromise production of New Holland tractors. More strikes will be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved.听
A spokesperson for CNH said the company was in negotiation with representatives from the Unite union and was 鈥榙isappointed' the parties were unable to reach an agreement and that the Unite Union has decided on this course of action.
"We recognise the Union's decision creates high anxiety among our represented employees in Basildon, as well as our other employees, our customers, and our community. During this period, we foresee no disruption to tractor supply.听
"The company remains committed to reaching an agreement, and we are keen to work with the Union to resolve this situation in a timely manner. We will continue to negotiate in good faith and trust that the Union will do the same."
