Landslide victory at quarry

Burlington Slate, the UK’s biggest producer of natural stone, has caved in to demands for a fair pay rise.

After rejecting earlier offers of 3.5% and 3.8%, around 100 members of the GMB general union at the quarry in Kirkby, Cumbria voted last month to hold strikes (by a majority of nearly two to one) and take action short of a strike in pursuit of a bigger increase.

Pointing out that inflation (as measured by the retail prices index) had been above 4% for most of 2007, the workers wanted an increase of at least this level – and managers granted their wish before strike dates could be announced.

“We got a mandate for industrial action, and the company made us an improved offer of 4% following that,” explained GMB regional official Steve Gibbons.

The pay deal also includes what Gibbons called a “welcome” commitment by Burlington to hold talks with the union on other issues.