Workers at the Pilgrim's Europe food production facility in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, have voted to accept an improved pay settlement and bring their dispute to a close, the Unite union announced on Friday. The decision ends a prolonged industrial action that began in early September over concerns about fair compensation and equal treatment during break periods.
Approximately 130 staff members employed by Pilgrim's Europe at the Enniskillen site backed the agreement in a ballot. The settlement will deliver a four per cent pay increase to all shop floor workers and ensure that all employees receive full payment for their breaks—a key demand throughout the dispute.
Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, characterised the outcome as a significant achievement for the workforce.
This deal was achieved through workers being prepared to take strike action,she stated, emphasising the role of collective action in securing the improved terms.
The strike action represented an escalation of earlier industrial unrest. Before the continuous walkout began on 2 September, workers had already taken three weeks of strike action, reflecting the depth of frustration over pay conditions at the facility.
What were the key disputes?
Workers sought fairer pay and equal compensation for breaks across all shifts. According to Unite, the previous break arrangement was a two-tier system, with morning-shift workers receiving 15 minutes' paid break compared with 30 minutes for evening and night shifts. The new deal addresses this disparity by standardising paid break entitlements across the workforce.
Pay levels at the facility had been a particular concern. The lowest-paid workers earned £12.82 an hour, just 11p above the statutory minimum wage, making the four per cent increase a meaningful improvement for those on the lowest grades.
What was the company's position?
Pilgrim's Europe had previously stated that no product shortages occurred during the dispute and that the company had extended multiple pay offers exceeding inflation rates, which Unite rejected. The company said increases were applied across all pay grades with emphasis on supporting those earning the least.
The organisation also indicated it had submitted proposals to address concerns about paid breaks for day-shift employees. However, these initial proposals did not satisfy union members' demands for full parity across all shift patterns.
During the strike, Unite lodged a complaint with the Department for the Economy's employment agency inspectorate, alleging that agency workers were deployed to cover roles normally performed by striking staff. The inspectorate was asked to investigate the allegation.
What happens next?
Formal negotiations over pay arrangements for 2027 are scheduled to commence at the end of 2026, according to Unite. This timeline provides both parties with a defined period to prepare for discussions on the following year's compensation structure.
About Pilgrim's Europe
Pilgrim's Europe operates more than 40 facilities across the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and the Netherlands, employing over 17,000 people across its operations. The Enniskillen plant produces a range of branded food products including Fridge Raiders, Richmond sausages, Denny sausages and Rollover sausages, making it a significant employer in the County Fermanagh area.
The company has been approached for additional comment on the settlement.
