Strike-threat yacht firm workers awarded pay rise

WORKERS at Plymouth-based luxury boatbuilder Princess Yachts have been given a large pay rise, after threatening to go on strike.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

Union bosses have said the pay offer went from nothing to an above-inflation 6.5% after workers voted to down tools.

More than 1,000 members of the Unite union were balloted in July on whether to walk out for one day a week for up to six months. Union bosses said employees were angry after not being offered a pay rise this year.

‘The vote came back last month in favour of industrial action and union chiefs went into talks with management which averted a strike and resulted in a new pay offer for nearly 1,200 workers. This has been accepted by staff after another vote.

‘The pay rise means those on the lowest pay grades will see their wages increase by between £2,000 and £3,000 a year. The union stressed that no strike action took place or was scheduled due to the successful negotiations with the company.