STRIKE LOOMS

The ‘MAIL’ has learned the majority of the workforce at Interface in the Silverwood Industrial Estate this week voted to go on strike after an industrial ballot was prompted by a pay dispute.

Management have said talk of industrial action is premature and unwarranted.

It’s understood the carpet tile company has told workers their pay will be frozen for two years. It’s also been claimed detrimental changes have been made to the company pension scheme.

Over 80 per cent of the workforce voted in favour of strike action and a meeting will be held today (Thursday) to discuss when the strike will take place and whether it will be an all-out strike or a discontinuous action.

Unite representative Sean McKeever said: “We have done everything in our power to discuss the situation, but the company have refused to enter into serious discussions. They’ve been quite disingenious with us.

“The workforce are showing the company they are very serious. Industrial relations are at an all-time low.”

As well as Lurgan, US-based company Interface has European manufacturing facilities in Halifax, West Yorkshire and Scherpenzeel in Holland.

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