Breakthrough in Pirelli Talks

Talks between Pirelli and the Transport and General Workers Union (T&G) have resulted in Pirelli tabling an “improved” pay deal. Although exact details of the pay offer have not been disclosed T&G representatives told Tyres & Accessories that it was enough for the union to “suspend” industrial action. According to T&G, the details will be released once the union members have been notified of the new offer. A ballot will be conducted in the first week of September.

“The proposals we will now put to our members are a significant improvement on the company’s previous ‘final’ offer,” said T&G national organiser for manufacturing Peter Booth. “The offer fully justifies the strong stance taken by our members in support of their pay claim, and I believe it an acceptable conclusion to this claim.”

Pirelli originally offered workers a 1.1 per cent pay rise back in April. This was followed by the 2.2 per cent offer which provoked the union’s strike ballot. The latest offer, which was negotiated with the assistance the conciliation service ACAS, seems sure to be in excess of this. Pirelli representatives were unavailable for comment.

A union spokesperson refused to comment on the union’s perspective of the long-term future of the Carlisle plant until after the ballot.