Almost 200 Tetley workers based in Teesside have accepted a 7% pay rise.
The employees work for Tata Consumer Products, which produces Tetley products for the UK and Canada, and are members of trade union GMB. The pay rise will be backdated to 1 April.
The workers began a ballot for strike action in a dispute over pay earlier this year and voted to strike earlier this month after 88% turned down a previous pay deal, but no strike dates were announced.
A Tata Consumer Products spokesperson said: “We’re pleased that the continued constructive discussions we’ve had with the unions have reached a positive conclusion with a strong majority acceptance of the revised pay award offered.”
Laura Maughan, organiser at trade union GMB, added: “GMB members are struggling to support their families, all they’re asking for is fair pay for their skilled work. Their quality of life has been eroded over time, and it’s in Tata’s power to change this for the workers, their families and for the future of decent paid jobs in Teesside.
“These low-paid, predominantly [female] workers have stood together, demanded more, and they’ve got it. This pay rise will enable them to support their families and stop replying on food banks. These workers should be rightly proud of themselves and Tata should be congratulated for finally listening to their workforce. However, there is still a long way to go Tetley workers fight for pay justice.”
Tetley employees receive a minimum of 35 days holidays per annum, an annual bonus scheme subject to business performance, a defined contribution pension schemes with 10% employer and 6% employee contributions, free onsite parking at all sites, an employee assistance programme, and an employee discount scheme.