Berry Global staff in Norwich end strikes as pay rise agreed

More than 100 factory workers at Berry Global - which operates as Massmould Ltd in the UK - announced several days of industrial action in May after the international company suggested a pay increase of 3.5pc.

This was described as a "real terms pay cut dressed up as an increase" by the Unite union, when inflation stood at 6.1pc in October last year - the month the increase was due.

Now, the striking workers at the factory in Sprowston have declared victory after Unite secured an improved pay deal.

Berry Global staff took to the picket line in May (Image: Unite)

The workers voted to accept a now above-inflation pay deal worth 5pc in a deal that will also see the lowest-paid staff members moved up to the next pay bracket.

The workers did take strike action at the Salhouse Road site from May 19 to 21, with further dates planned in May and June, but this has been cancelled.

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The company produces caps and lids for cleaning, personal hygiene, medicinal and food and drink products.

Berry Global operates as Massmnould Ltd in the UK (Image: Google)

Unite regional officer Mark Walker said: "Membership growth during the strike was a key factor in collectively winning the fair pay campaign, which demonstrates the power in belonging to a union.

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"Workers who want better wages and conditions should join Unite and get their colleagues to join as well."

At the time of the strikes, Mr Walker said that Berry was refusing to "pay its workers properly out of greed" and would have to explain to its customers why their orders were not being completed on time.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Well done to the Berry Norwich workers who secured this deal by standing together in their union and taking strike action."