Kettering warehouse staff given pay rise after union steps in

Argos warehouse workers employed by Wincanton are getting a 19 per cent pay increase after negotiations by Unite.

In 2017, 145 workers were transferred from Magna Park in Leicestershire to the Argos site in Kettering.

The workers transferred to the Kettering site on higher salaries and created an “unfair” two-tier workforce which threatened unity and morale amongst the 300 workers.

But the workers union successfully negotiated pay upwards to achieve parity between the two groups of workers in a deal which means the lower paid workers will get a 19 per cent increase by 2022.

It means that the pay of a typical worker who was on the lower rate will increase from £10 an hour to £11.88. The remaining workers also received a payment worth six per cent.

Unite regional officer Mick Orpin said: “Union negotiators did a fantastic job in difficult circumstances to ensure workers were treated fairly after an unsettling company restructure.

“The union has now negotiated parity for the workforce by securing a 19 per cent pay increase for the lower paid workers.

“The remaining workers also received a payment worth six per cent and they overwhelmingly supported the deal.

“It now means the workers are strong, organised and united thanks to their union Unite.

“This was a complex set of negotiations but the deal delivers for the entire workforce.

“The work of Unite representatives demonstrates the value of having a strong recognised trade union at a time when insecure work is on the rise.”