Workers at Haldane-Fisher’s Newry distribution hub are to return to work after securing what their union has described as an “inflation-busting” pay rise, following five weeks of all-out strike action.
Around 40 Unite the Union members at the company’s central supply store took to the picket lines in June after overwhelmingly rejecting a management-imposed 2% pay increase – a rise they said fell below inflation and failed to address long-standing concerns over low pay.
Announcing the end of the dispute, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham praised the workforce for holding their ground.
She said: “This was a hard fought and well won victory by workers who were prepared to strike to secure a decent pay increase.
“This victory once again confirms that the best way for workers to protect against the rising cost of living is get organised in Unite.”
Unite regional officer Sean Smyth said the outcome marked a turning point for staff at the Newry operation.
“The workers’ struggle at Haldane-Fisher has been inspiring. This strike should never have been necessary but now the workers return with renewed confidence having won respect and an inflation-busting pay deal,” he said.
The central supply store at Newry serves as a key hub for Haldane-Fisher, one of the region’s leading building and timber merchants, and the walkout was expected to cause significant disruption across its network.
When the strike was first announced, Unite accused management of imposing “paltry” below-inflation rises despite the union being formally recognised at the company. At the time, Ms Graham said workers – whom she described as low paid and seeing their wages eroded by rising prices – were determined to end the practice of having pay awards dictated to them.
Mr Smyth had also previously criticised the company’s stance as “highly disrespectful” and urged management to return to the table with an offer that met “legitimate pay expectations”.
Details of the new agreement have not been made public, but Unite has confirmed the settlement is above inflation and will see members end their all-out action and resume work.
Haldane-Fisher has been approached for comment.
