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From The Socialist newspaper, 19 January 2011
Heinz strikes force improved offer
Four solid strikes by 1,000+ workers at the Heinz plant in Wigan have forced a significantly improved offer from the company.
Members of the Unite union are now voting over whether to accept the offer of a two-year deal, for 3.9% pay rises in each year plus guarantees on the bonus scheme. The offer was made following talks on 12 January.
Ian Wright, acting convenor for Unite, told me: "I think the offer's adequate, it's not brilliant, it's not inflation, but it's probably what will float our members' boats... Now we're just waiting for the ballot result which will be out on 18 January."
Unite put in a pay claim last spring for 4.3%, fractionally above the rate of inflation. Previously management had shown no interest in negotiating with Unite, only talks which went nowhere while inflation eroded pay.
In between strike days, Heinz offered a derisory 0.2% above what was on the table a year ago, except with more strings attached. Workers rejected this by 2:1 in a ballot and took strike action again on 11 January. Strikers on the picket line then expressed absolute determination to continue the struggle, and had notified Heinz of another 24-hour strike on Wednesday 19 January.
Hugh Caffrey
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In The Socialist 19 January 2011:
National Shop Stewards Network
Discussing an NSSN anti-cuts campaign
Socialist Party NHS campaign
International socialist news and analysis
Socialist Party news and analysis
MPs' expenses scam continues: for workers' MPs on a worker's wage
Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election: A left-wing workers' alternative needed
Wales referendum: Vote Yes on 3 March - Defend public services in Wales
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
Socialist Party youth and students
Student receives draconian sentence
Students demand - 'save our EMA'
Education Maintenance Allowance: 11 January day of action
Urgent action needed to end youth unemployment
Socialist Party workplace news
PCS members vote for battle against cuts
Strike at sweatshop DWP centres
Teachers strike against redundancies
Heinz strikes force improved offer
Cameron 'thanks' postal workers by axing their jobs and pensions
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