Workers at a Cumbrian packaging firm will now be balloted for industrial action after conciliation talks through ACAS failed to make progress on pay.
More than 100 production workers at Futamura, in Wigton, have rejected the company’s 1.2 per cent offer, insisting it falls far short of an inflation‑linked rise.
Members say the offer amounts to a real‑terms pay cut.
Two further proposals made by the company were also rejected, as they required workers to self‑fund any increase through severe cuts to sick pay, alongside discussion of potential 'affordable redundancies.'
GMB represents production workers, alongside wider teams of office staff, team leaders, engineers and electricians employed at the site.
Michael Hall, GMB Regional Organiser, said:
“ACAS talks were a chance for meaningful progress, but instead, the company doubled down.
“A 1.2 per cent rise is nowhere near enough, and the additional offers came with unacceptable detriments.
"Sick pay cuts and talk of redundancies do not form a credible pay deal.
“Our members have been patient, but they expect a fair, inflationary pay rise.
"The company should be listening, not digging in.
“Unless Futamura returns to the table with a realistic offer, this ballot will go ahead.”
