Strikes which could have seen almost 150 workers at a Greater Manchester factory, which makes plastic bottles for the likes of Coca-Cola and Britvic, have been called off after a new pay deal was accepted.
The action by Unite members at Alpla UK's Wigan site will now no longer go ahead following the improved pay offer which is worth at least 6%.
The action was first threated towards the start of September after the union branded the then pay offer "insulting".
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Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is an excellent result for our members at Alpla UK’s Golbourne factory and demonstrates that when union members unite and fight for a better deal they can win.
"It is another example of how Unite is winning to secure better jobs, pay and conditions for its members."
The deal will see staff on under £25,000 a year receive a 4% pay rise backdated to January, while staff on more than £25,000 will receive a rise of 3%, also backdated to January. From 2022, all staff will receive a pay rise of 3.25%.
Workers will also benefit from a 1% increase on employers’ pension contributions and improvements to overtime terms.
Alpla UK manufactures plastic bottles and containers for customers including Britvic, Coca Cola, PZ Cussons, Lever, Arla Foods, Core Ingredients, Princes Foods and others.
Unite regional officer Richard O’Brien added: "This result shows what can be achieved through strong union organisation, which is why we urge workers looking to improve their pay and terms and conditions to join Unite and to get their colleagues to do the same.
"Unite looks forward to working productively with Alpla in the future for the best interests of our members, as the company continues to go from strength to strength."
