Workers at Ulverston’s GSK plant have voted to carry out strike action over pay.
Members of the Unite union at GSK sites across the country were balloted after workers were offered a 2.75 per cent pay rise by the pharmaceutical firm.
Unite says that GSK now has 48 hours to make an improved offer or strike action will be announced.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Never before have our members at GSK voted for strike action – their anger is a clear response to the company.
“GSK pocketed more than £34 billion in profits last year yet expects its workforce to swallow a pay cut in the midst of a cost of living crisis. As the strength of our members’ vote shows, this is simply not acceptable – I’m backing Unite members and their demand that GSK thinks again.”
Unite national officer Tony Devlin said: “Our members at GSK have delivered a huge mandate in favour of strike action. Even at this late stage Unite has offered GSK a small window in which to make an improved offer and to avoid the inevitable disruption to production that will occur if strike action takes place.”
GSK’s Ulverston plant makes antibiotics. It is understood it is set to close by 2025 as the firm wants to simplify its portfolio and invest in research and new products.
Unite’s members were also balloted at Montrose and Irvine in Scotland; Ware in Hertfordshire; Worthing in West Sussex and Barnard Castle.
