Briar Chemicals workers vote to strike as pay rise refused

More than 16 staff at Briar Chemicals in Sweet Briar Road are locked in an ongoing dispute with their bosses over wages.

The employees want to receive an eight percent pay increase over the next two years.

But the chemical firm, which employs around 260 people, refused the raise and instead offered a dental plan.

This made workers feel that they were not being taken seriously, a spokeswoman for GMB union said.

The firm employs around 260 people (Image: Newsquest)

The "only way to make the company listen" is to vote for industrial action, a spokeswoman added.

"Staff understand the company's current financial challenges but this is not the fault of their highly skilled workforce who collectively work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," Ashley Foster, GMB regional organiser, said.

"A chemical factory always has the potential to be a deadly environment, not only for staff but for anybody living in the proximity of the factory."

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In 2018, a man was killed in an explosion at the Sweet Briar Road facility. 

An investigation into the incident was launched but it was later confirmed that the explosion was not chemical related. 

Ashley added: "Not only do they work hard every day to make products but they also work hard to maintain the site's safety, protect lives, properties and businesses in the area."

Staff wish to be compensated for a dangerous job, according to GMB union (Image: Newsquest)

"In the past Briar Staff have been willing to accept below inflation pay rises to help out the company, but this year they have decided enough is enough and they should no longer have to suffer for the company’s inability to sell their products.

"The offer of a dental plan has failed to put a smile on GMB members' faces."

The strike ballot runs until July 23.