Fridge Raiders shortage and sausage fears as Co Fermanagh factory workers set to strike

The action marks a “sharp escalation of the industrial dispute” and follows three weeks of strikes

The supply of some leading UK brands including Fridge Raiders and Richmond Sausages could be disrupted due to strike action at a Co Fermanagh factory, a union has said.

Unite which represents approximately 130 workers employed by Pilgrims Europe at its Enniskillen production facility has announced it will begin all out (continuous) strike action beginning at 6.30am on Wednesday, September 2. The union said the action marks a “sharp escalation of the industrial dispute” and follows three weeks of strikes.

The site produces a range of leading UK and Irish food brands including Fridge Raiders, Richmond Sausages, Mr Brains Pork Faggots, Denny sausages (Republic of Ireland), Rollover sausages (sold at football grounds) and vegan sausages.

Fridge Raiders are one of the most successful Pilgrims products and are targeted at lunchboxes and for younger consumers.

Unite said workers at the factory are seeking a decent pay increase and “an end to the current regime where morning shift workers are the only shift workers not getting fully paid breaks.”

The union added: “The lowest paid workers receive an hourly rate of £12.82 – only eleven pence above the minimum wage. Pilgrims Europe’s latest reported after-tax profit was £128 million.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Pilgrims is a hugely profitable company making massive profits while its workers earn just pennies above the bare legal minimum. It can easily make its workers a fair offer but is choosing not to.

“Our members are determined to win an improved deal – they have the total support of Unite for as long as it takes to achieve that.”

Unite regional officer Greg O’Kane said: “Management intransigence has left workers with no alternative but to escalate the strike. Strikes have already heavily impacted production and stocks.

“Pilgrims’ management needs to act now to end this dispute and avoid the risk of empty shelves just when schools are returning and demand for these products surges.”

Pilgrim’s Europe has been contacted for comment.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.