Unite Press Release

 For immediate release: Tuesday 16 August 2022

Chester company supplying Airbus and Magellan Aerospace faces strikes

Metal Improvement Company has massive profits but offers workers a real terms pay cut

Skilled workers, based in Broughton in Chester, supplying manufacturers including Airbus, will take a series of one day strikes in a dispute over pay beginning tomorrow (17 August).

The company, which produces coatings to protect a range of components for the aerospace industry, made pre-tax profits of £36.2 million in 2021, a 26 per cent increase on the previous year. But the company is offering workers a pay deal which significantly falls behind inflation.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This specialist manufacturing company has the financial resources to support its workforce with a pay deal which keeps up with inflation.

“The workers have Unite’s full support. They deserve a fair pay deal which protects their incomes and recognises the contribution the workers have made to this successful business."  

More than 40 workers employed by the Metal Improvement Company (MIC) will take a series of one day strikes on 17, 24 and 31 August after a 100 per cent vote in favour of strike action.

Customers, such as Airbus and Magellan Aerospace, will experience supply chain interruption, creating a possible loss of production time.

Unite regional officer Jono Davies said: “Bosses have refused to sit down across the table and negotiate. Their failure to engage is now leading to a series of strikes.

“It’s time for management to face the union and negotiate a fair pay deal.”

ENDS

Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315 

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Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.