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GMB secure 3.6% increase at Smallbones of Devizes

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Date 17th July 2003

GMB members have voted to accept an inflation busting pay increase of 3.6% at Smallbones of Devizes, makers of exclusive kitchens. Also included in the deal was the introduction of 80% sick from day three of absence, an extra day off at Xmas and there will be further negotiations on long service awards.

Agreement was reached after the rejection of a number of offers from the company and only after GMB had commenced a ballot for industrial action. Members were angered by the suggestion from the company that any increase above 3% would only be made if members agreed to the introduction of compulsory overtime.

During the dispute, members came under pressure from managers to accept lower offers but rejected them in a series of meetings. GMB membership rose from 35 to 55 during the course of the dispute and efforts will be made to improve membership further over the coming months.

Towards the end of the dispute the company was taken over by a former director and the new owner was able to come up with an offer which was acceptable to the membership.