Mill workers in Bury St Edmunds cancel strike after Unite union secure pay deal

Workers at the ABN mill in Bury St Edmunds are amongst those that have cancelled strike action, after accepting a two year pay deal worth 13 per cent.

Previously the union Unite said across the UK 150 workers from the animal feed manufacturer AB Agri, including those at the ABN mill in Eastern Way, had been 'offered a real terms pay cut'.

Mark Jaina, Unite regional officer, said: "The hard work of our reps and the solidarity of our members was essential in securing this pay deal."

He continued: "This result is yet another example of why those who want to improve their wages and working lives should join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same."

AB AGRI mill workers will receive a pay rise of 4.5 per cent back paid from October 2022 and a 1.5 per cent lump sum.

Then from September this year, their pay will increase again by and additional 5.5. per cent, with a further two per cent in January 2024.

An additional day of annual leave is also included in the deal.

Following the announcement calling off the strike action, Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: "By standing together in their union, AB AGRI workers won a much-improved pay offer and strengthened their collective bargaining position across the company.

"As this pay deal shows, Unite’s renewed focus on defending and improving jobs, pay and conditions gets more cash in our members’ pockets."

The deal also contains an agreement to allow union recognition across AB AGRI’s mills.