Glen Dimplex workers march for pay rise

Striking Community Union members from Prescot’s Glen Dimplex factory took their call for a pay rise to the streets today with a march and rally in the town centre. Staff from the home appliance firm received support from members of the public as they marched through the town at lunch time, culminating in a rally at Prescot Parish Church where senior union officials gave their backing to the workforce’s demand for skilled pay for skilled work.

The workforce from Glen Dimplex’s site on Stoney Lane began a course of industrial action on Monday following the company’s failure to reach an agreement with the union on pay after some 9 months of talks.

Many of the skilled manufacturing workers at the company’s Stoney Lane factory are currently paid the minimum wage. Earlier this summer it was reported that the Dublin-headquartered company had quadrupled its profits last year from €11m to €42.8m Euros; increasing overall turnover to €944m Euros.

The company’s position following pay talks has been to reduce the working week whilst not moving on pay – a policy which Community members have found unacceptable.

Roy Rickhuss CBE, General Secretary of Community Union said:

“Glen Dimplex workers in Prescot are experienced and dedicated. It is disappointing that the company have failed to recognise this by meeting the workforce’s reasonable request for a pay rise – even after 9 frustrating months of talks.

“Community Union remains ready to meet with the company for constructive discussions.”

Community’s Assistant General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid, who was among the speakers at the rally in Prescot today, said:

“Community members at Glen Dimplex did not want to resort to strike action this week, but have been left with no choice by the company.

“The public in Prescot are right behind the workforce in their demand for a pay rise to recognise the dedication staff have shown to the company over many years, as well as the skilled work they undertake.”

Gavin Miller, Community Union’s National Officer for Light Industries, said:

“Community Union reps have tabled several suggestions to try and reach a conclusion to talks with Glen Dimplex, but company representatives have dismissed all these ideas out of hand.

“Glen Dimplex’s lack of willingness to engage with the concerns of the loyal, long-serving workforce at the Prescot factory – skilled workers who the company will soon be reliant on to build new product ranges – is both counterproductive and shoddy. It’s not too late for the company to resolve this and get back around the table with a renewed offer on pay.”