Gaymer Cider Company averts industrial action

Unite, the country’s largest union, was holding a ballot of more than 100 production workers at the Kilver Street site, who were taking part in an industrial action ballot in the dispute, have accepted the offer by management of a three per cent pay rise for 2012-13.

The dispute had been that management had made the 3% offer conditional on a wage freeze for 2013-14.

Workers accept the offer​

Unite regional officer Hugh Kirkbride said: “The company has put the 3% offer back on the table and the three shifts at the site have now voted to accept this offer.

“The company now wants to start negotiations about changes in production and working patterns. It has been agreed that the conciliation service, Acas will be involved in these talks from the start and that key decision makers in the company will be around the table.

“The union goes into these negotiations with our heads held high – and we wish to engage in these talks in a constructive and positive manner.”

Common sense​

Deb Kennedy, head of manufacturing and technical, C&C Group, which owns Gaymers said: “We are clearly very pleased that common sense has won the day and that the possibility of industrial action at Shepton Mallet Cider Mill has been averted. 

"Our proposed original unconditional 3% pay increase for 2012 and 0% for 2013 was exceptional in the current economic climate and we look forward to working with Unite and its members here towards achieving a satisfactory negotiated settlement on 2014 pay, conditions, working practices and training that will position our staff well to support the ambitions we share for the Shepton Mallet site.”