Flahavan's workers ballot over pay dispute

Workers at Flahavan s, an Irish oat miller based in Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford, are set to ballot for industrial action over a pay dispute. The trade union Unite, which represents the majority of workers at the plant, announced that an extraordinary general meeting over the weekend voted unanimously to ballot for industrial action. The ballot will open on 12 August and close on 21 August. Unite claims that management unilaterally attempted to tie a new pay deal to a flexibility agreement that the union has neither seen nor negotiated. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham criticized the company for demanding workers sign up to an 'unseen and unagreed policy'. Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey stated that resolution of the dispute is in Flahavan s hands and that the union remains available to engage if the company withdraws its insistence on the flexibility policy. Flahavan s, which supplies about half of all porridge oats in Republic of Ireland, expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision, saying it remains committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement through constructive engagement.