Aluminium workers hold out for 2.8%

Hard bargaining at Anglesey Aluminium finally yielded a 2.8% pay settlement for 420 process and engineering workers last month - matching the recently announced increase in the retail price index (RPI) for May, and topping April's 2.5% inflation level.

The company's opening offers of 1.8% and 2.1% were rejected by Amicus, as were proposals involving the introduction and role of team leaders. The union eventually succeeded (after suspending negotiations and a site ballot) in moving from a revised offer of 2.6% to 2.8%, and accepted a nine-month settlement that will run from 1 July (rather than 1 April).

The 2.8% increase applies to shift disturbance allowances and ancillary payments, as well as base salaries. Most process workers (on grade D) will now be on a basic salary of £20,947 (scale point 3), and shift allowances are worth up to £6,920 (on a five-crew seven-day days/afternoons/nights rota or a three-crew seven-day days/nights rota).

A lump sum of £400 was also paid in recognition of operating performances during 2003, and there will be agreed improvements (over time) in long-service award payments. These currently stand at £100 for more than 10 years' service, £250 for 20 years and £450 for 30 years.