A new deal concerning pay and conditions has struck between workers and management at Essex concrete maker, Tarmac Building Products.

In January, the workforce began a series of strike action in opposition to attempts by Tarmac to require new starters to receive lower rates of pay, a move that union Unite said would have created a 'two-tier workforce'. In total, the workforce staged strike action for 11 days.

Following the most recent industrial action at the end of March, management agreed to hold fresh talks which have now produced a negotiated settlement agreed by both sides.


Under the deal, all new workers will start on the original contracts, while it was also agreed there would be a 2% increase on the basic rate of pay and workers undertaking 24/7 shift working patterns will receive an extra day's holiday each year.

In addition, a detailed recognition agreement has been agreed and regular meetings will be scheduled between the management and union stewards to ensure that future concerns can be dealt with and resolved earlier.

Unite's regional officer, Guy Langston, said: "The incredible unity and strength of our members resulted in Tarmac's management returning to the negotiating table; was a major factor in ensuring that a deal acceptable to all sides could be agreed.

"New starters at Tarmac will continue to be on exactly the same contracts as their colleagues, ending fears of a race to the bottom and further cuts to pay rates in the future.

"The deal should also ensure that there is far better co-operation and understanding on both sides in the future, which should reduce the likelihood of future disputes."

(LM)