WORKERS at a Cumbrian packaging firm are set to be balloted for industrial action after conciliation talks over pay broke down.
More than 100 production staff at Futamura’s Wigton site, who are members of the GMB union, have rejected a 1.2 per cent pay offer, arguing it falls well short of an inflation‑linked rise and amounts to a real‑terms cut.
The union says two further proposals from the company were also turned down because they involved what it describes as “severe” cuts to sick pay and discussion of potential “affordable redundancies”.
GMB represents production workers, alongside wider teams of office staff, team leaders, engineers and electricians employed at the site.
Michael Hall, GMB regional organiser, said: “ACAS talks were a chance for meaningful progress, but instead, the company doubled down.
“A 1.2 per cent rise is nowhere near enough, and the additional offers came with unacceptable detriments.
"Sick pay cuts and talk of redundancies do not form a credible pay deal.
“Our members have been patient, but they expect a fair, inflationary pay rise.
"The company should be listening, not digging in.
“Unless Futamura returns to the table with a realistic offer, this ballot will go ahead.”
Futamura have been approached for comment.
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