Moodiesburn based company acquired as part of £564m takeover

Unite the union has confirmed today (10 March) that 200 members based at food manufacturer Devro (Scotland) Ltd have emphatically backed strike action in a dispute over pay.

95.5 per cent of Unite members backed strike action on a turnout of 88 per cent, as 97 per cent supported action short of a strike including an overtime ban.

Unite’s production and maintenance members have rejected a pay offer from the company, based in Moodiesburn, North Lanarkshire, which amounts to just three per cent for 2023 when the broader cost of living (RPI) has now hit 13.4 per cent. 

Devro Ltd manufactures sausage skins and casings supplying a number of clients including the popular Richmond brand.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Unite’s members at Devro have emphatically backed strike action. This is a cash rich company which can well afford to pay its workers far more than the current offer. The parent group has also approved a takeover worth around £564m which would give shareholders a bumper payday. Unite will always support our members fighting back for decent jobs, pay and conditions.” 

Devro Ltd’s latest annual report recorded a £4.1m profit while its multi-national parent group Devro Plc made an operating profit of £42.7m at the end of 2021. The parent group has recently been acquired by Saria Nederland BV in a deal reported to be worth £564m.

Graham McNab, Unite industrial officer, added: ““Unite has agreed to enter into talks through Acas to find a positive resolution to this pay dispute before strike action. However, Devro should be under no illusions of our members' willingness to get a fair pay deal. Devro is a very wealthy company and our members are only asking for a fair share of this healthy balance sheet. Strike action will be inevitable in a matter of weeks unless Devro makes an offer which meets the aspirations of our members.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service - Acas