Unite members at a Sheffield factory that manufactures parts for the automotive industry are striking over a pay dispute.
All 140 shop floor workers at the Bifrangi factory in Attercliffe were on strike for the third time yesterday as negotiations between Unite, and the crankshaft factory (formerly known as Shardlow’s) employers failed to reach a resolution.
Unite submitted a pay claim on behalf of workers last November and had hoped for a settlement in January but Doug Patterson, regional officer for Unite, said: “We tried on numerous occasions to get a proper, meaningful discussion about the money that was due. We believe that the claim we’ve put in is reasonable and affordable, but we are open to meaningful negotiations.”
The claim put forward by the union was for an increase in pay of 2.5% from January this year and, from January 2012, pay in line with the RPI plus one per cent.
Bifrangi’s final offer to its workers was for a measly 1% rise, with another 0.5% and £1,000 payout per worker if performance targets were met.
Unite has suggested a compromise: they would accept Bifrangi’s offer if the targets, which they believed to be unrealistic, were removed. But employers refused it.
Doug said: “If the offer was paid in full, it would cost them less to pay out on our claim than what they were offering, but we don’t think they intend to pay that.”
Italy-based Bifrangi’s offer has been withdrawn and there is no pay offer on the table.
The strikers have been on the picket line for the past two Fridays in 24-hour actions.
The latest 24-hour strike started at 9pm on Thursday, and another is planned from 6am on Monday.
Send messages of support via Doug Patterson at Unite.
Hello Doug Patterson,
I was sad to read of the loss of a bulk of contract for Cummings based in Daventry.
I think I would beware of strike action as the company may be contemplating closure of the Sheffield factory and transferring production to Lincoln, and looking for excuses.
A similar scenario existed here in North Wales with Brymbo Steel Works, a profitable special steels company where the factory was closed , and production transferred to their associate factory at Stocksbridge. The Brymbo factory was sold to China . Disgraceful .
Thanks for the comment Gary. However this posting was from a year ago – if you check the date.
The dispute was resolved to the satisfaction of Unite members if I recall.
TB
Hello Tony Burke,
Sorry Tony , must get better specs.!
I was appalled to learn of the business taken over by overseas owners, where profits disappear out of the country and the unit could be closed at a whim. Be still wary of owners intentions.
I worked in the early 1960’s for Firth Derihons , Blade div., and now both factories at Tinsley shut some time ago.
I run a web site dedicated to ex employees and interested parties of this company