GMB Scotland members have overwhelmingly voted to continue strike action at a multinational’s nutrition plant in North Ayrshire in a dispute over bonus payments.
The industrial action, now in its fourth week, could continue for another five weeks after 80 per cent of the workers backed another wave of strikes.
The strike began at 6am on April 18 at Royal DSM, in Dalry, as around 50 repair and maintenance workers fight for incentive payments detailed in national pay agreements for engineering and construction workers.
The initial three weeks of action were followed by a vote to continue it for another three before a ballot this week overwhelmingly backed another three week wave, which after giving employers notice, will take the strike well into June.
Royal DSM manufactures a range of vitamins for humans and animals at the Ayrshire factory with the company supplying to some multinational household brands including Coca-Cola, Berroca and Pantene.
More than 400 staff and up to 200 contractors work there.
GMB Scotland organiser Dominic Pritchard said: “It was not our choice to have this dispute and it would not have been necessary if these two firms had engaged with us in any meaningful way.
“Our members are due these bonus payments and, as a matter of principle, are ready to fight for them.
“Their refusal to do so seems short-sighted and has led to an industrial action which will undoubtedly be impacting on the good-running of the plant.
“The vote to continue this strike for up to nine weeks is only one signal of the strength of will of our members. It should send a very clear message to managers to review their current position and begin negotiations.”
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