Mitie Defence Gibraltar Workers Reject 3% Pay Offer
Unite members at Mitie Defence Gibraltar have rejected the company’s final 3% pay offer, with more than 85% voting against it in a ballot held today. Unite says it has now entered into a trade dispute with Mitie, with members due to walk out on Thursday and further industrial action planned if the dispute remains unresolved. The union is seeking a 4% pay increase.
A statement from Unite the Union follows below:
Unite the Union members at Mitie Defence Gibraltar have overwhelmingly rejected the company’s final pay offer of 3%, with more than 85% of members voting against the offer in a ballot held today.
The result follows months of negotiations between Unite and Mitie. Throughout the process, Unite made clear that it could not recommend the company’s final offer to members as it fell short of the membership’s negotiating mandate.
The overwhelming rejection demonstrates the strength of feeling among Mitie Defence workers in Gibraltar, who continue to face significant increases in the cost of living and believe that the company’s offer does not adequately recognise their contribution.
Following the ballot result, Unite has formally notified Mitie’s senior management that the union has entered into a trade dispute with the company. Members will carry out a walkout on Thursday, with further selective industrial action to follow should the dispute remain unresolved.
Unite has also raised concerns regarding the wider relationship between the union and Mitie’s senior management in the UK, which the union believes has deteriorated over the past year.
The dispute also comes at a time of uncertainty surrounding the proposed takeover of Mitie by OCS in a deal reportedly valued at approximately £3.1 billion. Unite will continue to closely monitor developments and the potential implications for its members.
Unite representative Christian Duo said:
“We thank our members for participating in today’s ballot. The result clearly demonstrates the strength of feeling among our members, with more than 85% rejecting the company’s final offer.
“Our members have given Unite a strong mandate, and we will continue to pursue the 4% pay increase that they have mandated.
“We remain open to positive dialogue and a negotiated resolution, and we call on Mitie to reconsider its position and return to the negotiating table with an improved offer.
“Our members deserve a pay award that properly recognises their hard work and commitment. We hope the company will now take the opportunity to resolve this dispute without the need for further escalation.”
