Unionists at famous chocolate brand Cadbury are celebrating after securing a new pay deal worth up to 17.5 per cent.
Members of the Unite union at the manufacturer's plants in Bournville in Birmingham, Chirk in North Wales and Marlbrook in Hereford have negotiated the package with management, expected to benefit around 1,000 employees.
The pay deal covers two years while there is also a 25 per cent rise in holiday allowance.
Unite's members at the three sites recorded an 80 per cent vote in favour of the deal which it said was worth up to 17.5 per cent inclusive of bonuses.
General secretary Sharon Graham said: "Where employers can clearly afford to raise pay, we are determined to ensure that they do. Yet again Unite's focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is getting results for our members.
"This deal was delivered by the hard work and dedication of Unite's representatives at Cadbury and the support of Unite members."
Unite national officer for food and drink Joe Clarke added: "Unite negotiated this deal over three months with Cadbury and it sets the standard for the rest of the food manufacturing sector which is performing very strongly.
"Unite will be negotiating with other food manufacturing companies in the coming months and we will be bargaining for our members in those workplaces to also receive rises that take into consideration the rising cost of living and high profits of their employers."
Mondelēz International said in a statement: "We are pleased to have reached a two-year agreement with Unite for our UK chocolate manufacturing colleagues.
"This agreement represents an improved overall package including not only base pay but other elements which enable us to both recognise our colleagues' important contributions but also remain competitive in our manufacturing operations."
