WORKERS at Ceramtec are to strike for four days after a “measly” pay increase
Over 150 workers in Ruabon, North Wales are taking industrial action after a failure by their employer, Ceramtec UK, to make a decent pay offer.
Unite’s members have been offered a measly 79 pence increase to their basic hourly rate. Considering the National Living Wage has increased by £1.02, workers at the factory expect to match or improve on that increase.
Ceramtec produces high-tech ceramics for use in healthcare, safety components within the automotive and manufacturing industry. This includes items such as replacement hips and safety transducers but also advanced ceramic components for medical applications.
A typical grade C, day worker, who is responsible for manufacturing ceramic medical equipment such as sensors and transducers currently earns just £11.44 per hour.
Strikes are due to take place for four days from 28 – 31 May 2024. Disrupted production of Ceramtec’s products could lead to significant consequences for its customers given the use of ‘just in time’ supply chains.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Ceramtec are treating their workers with contempt by offering such a measly pay rise when their latest accounts show millions in profits. They need to realise that our members won’t stand for such penny pinching in a cost of living crisis, Unite has their backs every step of the way.”
Ceramtec UK had profits of nearly £10 million in their last accounts while its parent company (Ceramtec Worldwide) had revenue of over £800 million in 2022.
Unite regional officer Jono Davies said: “The strike action will inevitably lead to delays and disruption in the production and supply of vital components but this dispute is entirely of Ceramtecs own making, it has had every opportunity to make workers a fair pay offer but has failed to do so.
“Ceramtec need to get its house in order and come back with a significantly improved offer.”
