Cadbury workers awarded 17.5% pay injection in 2-year deal

Cadbury workers have secured a 17.5% pay boost as part of a new two-year deal, trade union Unite has announced.

More than 1,000 workers at the confectionery company will enjoy the pay increase, as well as a separate 25% hike in holiday pay.

Unite’s members based at Cadbury sites in Bournville, Birmingham, Chirk, Wales and Marlebrook in Hereford recorded an 80% vote in favour for the deal, which is inclusive of bonuses.

Commenting on the success, Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, 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’s national officer for food and drink, Joe Clarke, added that the move “sets the standard for the rest of the food manufacturing sector”, despite it taking three months to negotiate the deal.

“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,” Clarke explained.

Pay disputes

Workers at Cadbury aren’t the only ones who have been disputing over pay; now Post Office workers will strike for 24-hours due to pay, with more industrial action to follow.

According to the Independent, members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are going on strike today (11 July) at Crown Post Offices, which are the larger branches usually positioned on high streets.

On Thursday (14 July) this week, supply chain and administrative staff members will strike.

It comes as the CWU opposed the Post Office management’s offer of a three percent pay rise for the 2022-23 financial year, as well as a one-off lump sum payment of £500, and no pay rise for the 2021-22 financial year.

The union added that this was well below the rate of inflation, which is currently at a 40-year high of 9.1%.

Andy Furey, assistant secretary of CWU, commented: “The blame for this disruption lies entirely with the senior Post Office leadership, who have repeatedly failed – and wilfully refused – to set out a sensible and fair pay agreement.

“Everyone knows that the only solution is a fair pay rise that properly rewards members for their extraordinary efforts in serving the public and delivering a profitable Post Office, while also taking account of the extreme cost of living.”

Workers in other sectors are also threatening walk-outs due to pay, including British Airways workers, doctors and barristers.

The next issue of Reward Strategy magazine will explore the relationship between unions and employers. In the meantime, you can read past issues here.