Strike at Wigan factory over pay
29 September 2010
Workers at a Wigan factory which manufactures high quality
garden tools are to commence strike action tomorrow (30 September)
in a row over pay.
Unite the union members at Rollins Bulldog Tools in Wigan,
Lancashire, are angry after the company refused any pay rise for
this year. The highly trained staff feel this is a “kick in
the teeth” when they agreed to defer pay increases for the last
three years and made significant sacrifices in their terms and
conditions to help the company during difficult times.
Founded in 1780, on the cusp of the historical Industrial
Revolution, the Clarington Forge site in Wigan has been
manufacturing garden tools for 230 years. The forge in Wigan
is the last remaining factory in the UK still forging solid steel
spade and fork heads. The company also produce an exclusive range
of tools promoted by Alan Titchmarsh.
Debbie Brannan, Unite regional officer, said: “We were hopeful
that Bulldog would play fairly and fork out a pay rise for its
loyal workforce.
“Staff agreed to defer pay increases for three years and a
reduction in the working week from 37 hours to 24 to help the
company during difficult times. Workers have not had an increase in
earnings since 2007.
“We’re not asking for the earth – we’re asking for a fair and
reasonable reward for our members who have helped the company
survive the recession and we are determined to see that they get
it.
“Strike action will now go ahead on Thursday but Unite still
remains available to talk with Bulldog management."
A picket line will be in place from 7.45 am on Thursday, 30
September.
ENDS
For further information please contact Karen Viquerat on
07768931316 or Debbie Brannan on 07768931271.
Notes to editors:
- Unite has 35 members on site
- A picket line will be in place from 7.45 am at Rollins Bulldog
Tools Ltd, Clarington Forge, Manchester Road, Ince, Wigan
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