Akzo Nobel International Coatings (Gateshead)

Around 700 workers at the former Courtaulds Coatings plant received a 3.5% rise in grade salaries with effect from 1 October 2000, with new rates for training grades and sandwich students, first aider payments of £22.07 per month, and fire brigade payments of £59.38.

First aiders are expected to attend 12 drills per calendar year in normal working hours, while members of the company Fire brigade must attend 12 four-hour drills per calendar year, held on a Saturday. Salaries have a minimum level, "grade salary" level and maximum salary levels. The 16-year-old rate starts at 50% of the minimum of grade 4, £6,304, rising in stages to 75% at 20, £9,455. Sandwich students at 21 years old are entitled to 90% of the minimum of grade 4 for the first 12 months, or the grade 4 minimum if more than 12 months (although employees with special experience and skills may join on grade 4 or a higher grade depending on individual circumstances).

Pay rates at Akzo Nobel International Coatings (Gateshead)

min grade max salary 4 12,603 13,630 14,991 new starters 5 14,455 15,626 17,187 multi-skilled operators 6 16,598 17,943 19,737 team leaders 7 18,648 20,159 22,175 senior team leaders; craft 8 22,478 24,300 26,729 managers 9 24,518 26,506 29,157 managers 10 26,735 - - managers

Hourly rates for 2001 Shop 37.5 Travel 37.5

rate hours rate hours

Technician £9.45 £354.37 £10.53 £394.87

Approved Electrician £8.27 £310.12 £9.35 £350.62

Electrician £7.54 £282.75 £8.62 £323.25

Labourer £5.83 £218.62 £6.92 £259.50