Kings Lynn Cooper Roller Bearing workers ballot for strike action over pay

Profitable company offering strings attached deal that amounts to ‘pay cut’

More than 100 workers employed by Cooper Roller Bearings in Kings Lynn are being balloted for strike action over pay, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said (Wednesday).

The workers have rejected a 5.5 per cent pay offer. With the true rate of inflation, RPI, standing at 11.3 per cent, this is a real terms pay cut.

The strings attached offer also comes with a performance related bonus of up to six per cent.

Cooper Roller Bearings made a profit before tax of more than £7 million in the year ending 31 December 2022.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Cooper Roller Bearings is a very profitable company that can and must improve on its current strings attached offer that is in fact a pay cut. Unite always defends the jobs, pay and conditions of our members and Cooper Rollers Bearings’ workforce have their union’s full support.”

The ballot for strike action closes on 27 July.

Cooper Roller Bearings produces split roller bearings, tapered roller bearings and specialised bearings used in the steel, mining, marine, power and cement industries. Strikes would severely impact production at the factory.

Unite regional officer Steve Harley said: “Cooper Roller Bearings clients will not be happy they are facing supply line delays. Strike action can still be avoided but the company must come back with an offer our members can accept.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact Unite senior communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215.

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Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.