Building supplies workers' strike ends after 'inflation beating' pay rise, says union

A union has said that a strike at a branch of one of Northern Ireland's leading building supplies firms has ended as a result of what it described as an "inflation beating pay increase".

About 40 staff at Haldane Fisher's Carnbane premises in Newry had been on strike for the past five weeks.

Earlier this week, striking workers told BBC News NI they had previously rejected an offer of up to 2.8% because it was "still nowhere near inflation".

A Haldane Fisher spokesperson said the firm was "very pleased to have reached an agreement" adding that the deal included "changes to working practices" at the site.

The firm is part of a larger timber and builders' merchant business which employs about 700 people across Northern Ireland, England and the Isle of Man.

On Saturday, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This was a hard fought and well won victory by workers who were prepared to strike to secure a decent pay increase."

She said joining a union was the "best way for workers to protect against the rising cost of living".

Unite regional officer Sean Smyth said: "The workers struggle at Haldane Fisher has been inspiring.

"This strike should never have been necessary but now the workers return with renewed confidence having won respect and an inflation-busting pay deal."

In a statement, Haldane Fisher's spokesperson said the company was "pleased to be welcoming colleagues back to work next week".

They added the deal had been reached against a backdrop of "significant cost pressures" including rising National Insurance contributions and higher energy bills.

The firm pointed out that its Newry premises "remained open and continued to serve customers" throughout the five-week strike with the assistance of other staff.

It explained the changes that accompanied the deal would assist with "modernising and future proofing the site" and "building a fully flexible, multi-skilled team".

"Reaching a resolution that rewards our colleagues fairly while securing the changes we need to operate efficiently is the right outcome for everyone," the firm said.