Aug 16, 2007

Unite 'satisfied' with 3.8% pay deal for corrugated workers

UK corrugated packaging workers will receive a pay rise of up to 3.8% from next month after Unite and the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) reached a settlement this week.

Unite national officer Peter Ellis said lower-paid workers would receive an extra £9 to £12.50 per week.

The trade union has also negotiated 3.5% as a fall-back figure for the rest of the corrugated industry, depending on local arrangements.

The deal is higher than the previous settlement of 3%.

"We've had to recognise the difficulties that the corrugated industry is undergoing at the current time and employers have made a good case," said Ellis.

CPI head of employment affairs Paul Storey said: "After two days of meaningful dialogue with the union, we have reached a fair settlement for both parties, which is reflective of the partnership approach taken by the corrugated industry and its current economic position."

In addition to the pay deal, the two parties agreed further improved terms and conditions for corrugated workers.

New fathers will receive 10 days' paternity leave on full pay from September 2008, compared with the current five days on full pay.

Both male and female workers will also be entitled to paid time off for cancer screening.

"We are satisfied with the offer and will ballot members in the next fortnight with a strong recommendation to accept it," said Ellis.
Source: packagingnews

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