Ardagh Glass workers to strike in Yorkshire and Ayrshire

Workers at glass manufacturer Ardagh Glass are to go on strike after unions rejected a pay offer. A ballot of Unite and GMB union members rejected a 5.5% rise over two years. Ardagh Glass employs about 1,300 people at four factories in Barnsley, Doncaster and Knottingley in Yorkshire, and Irvine in Ayrshire.The firm said it was disappointed by the planned strike action and remained open to entering into talks with the unions in order to reach an agreement.Twenty-four-hour stoppages are due to take place at all four Ardagh Glass sites from 06:00 BST on 16 and 21 September, Unite said.Union members also agreed not to work overtime at Knottingley and Doncaster between 16 and 23 September, and in Knottingley between 14 and 23 September.A spokesman for Unite in Yorkshire said the union was willing to hold further talks with Ardagh Glass before the strike dates.Workers will stage strikes at four sites, including Ardagh Glass´ base in Irvine, AyrshireStrikes planned for last month were suspended following Ardagh Glass´ new pay offer.In a statement, an Ardagh spokesman said the company had already made an increased offer and had also offered to enter into arbitration - but that had been rejected by the unions."We respect and value our employees and currently pay typically double the UK National Living Wage to our factory employees," he added.The firm remained open to talks and in the meantime Ardagh was committed to maintaining supply to its customers, he said. 11.09.2013, Ardagh Glass