Row over pay at DPP factory

The eleven engineers, who are Unite union members at the DPP plant which is part of the Kerry Group, make cheese slices for McDonalds, Burger King, Sainsbury's and Morrison's.

Their union said that they have voted overwhelmingly for the action.

Sean Smyth, Regional Industrial Organiser with Unite, said: "The engineers who are critical to production have rejected a company offer of a pay freeze for nine months to be followed by a 3 per cent rise for the next 15 months.

"The engineers have rejected the offer as the company, which has a European wide recognition for its products, is a very profitable concern.

"Once these engineers stop work, the production line will stop. More than 150 production workers will also be balloted to support their colleagues' actions."

Mr Smyth told the Times that the strike action must take place within 28 days of the members informing their employers of the ballot outcome.

He said that, while he would have to consult with members, he believed the earliest the strike action could begin is next Monday or Tuesday.

However, speaking on behalf of Kerry Foods, Director of Corporate Affairs, Frank Hayes told The Coleraine Times that the pay offer the engineers are referring to is the pay deal which was offered the wider workforce and which was accepted.

"The current agreement, which was accepted by the wider workforce, is a fair offer in the context of our current environment and the competitiveness of our industry.

"We are not aware of any broad support for this strike action which is totally unwarranted.

"It is regrettable and is not in the interest of the general welfare of the plant or the 250 employees."