Workers at Haldane Fisher’s store in Newry, Northern Ireland, have turned to strike action in a dispute over pay.
Members of Unite The Union employed by Haldane-Fisher at its Newry central supply store started an all-out strike action on Wednesday 10 June, according to the union. The strike results from an escalating pay dispute and will saw up to 40 workers walk out, severely impacting the operations of the region's leading building and timber merchant.
The strike occurs after union members voted to reject a 2% pay increase, which say they is below inflation and has been imposed by management without proper consultation of the organisation.
Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, said: "Haldane-Fisher workers are low paid who have watched their pay fail to keep pace with inflation or increases to the bare legal minimum.
"They are determined to end a practice of having paltry pay increases imposed by management. They can count on the full support of Unite in their struggle for decent pay and respect."
Unite Regional Officer Sean Smyth added: "Management's approach to our union and our membership has been highly disrespectful. This has really angered our members and this ballot for strike action has been decisive.
"Management can still avert the severe disruption to the company's operations across Northern Ireland. They must return to the table with a pay offer addressing our members' legitimate pay expectations."
The company issued the following statement: "Haldane Fisher is a family-owned business that has been part of the local community for 80 years, and our people have always been at the heart of everything we do. We are aware of the concerns raised by Unite the Union and of the industrial action that has begun at our Newry branch today. We have great respect for our colleagues and value the contribution they make every day.
"Like many across our industry, we are navigating an exceptionally difficult period. Housebuilding in Northern Ireland remains close to historic lows, official NISRA figures show new dwelling output is still around 55% below the levels of two decades ago, while the cost of materials and of doing business continues to rise. These pressures are real and they inevitably shape the decisions we can make.
"We understand how much pay matters to our colleagues and their families, and that has been at the front of our minds throughout. At the same time, we have a responsibility to make decisions the business can sustainably afford, so that we can protect jobs and secure the long-term future of Haldane Fisher for our people and our customers.
"We have sought to put forward a fair and responsible position in the current climate. We remain committed to open and constructive dialogue, including through the conciliation process of the Labour Relations Agency."
