Concerns over fertiliser shortage as CF workers plan to strike
5th September 2024
Loading workers at CF Fertilisers’ Billingham factory will strike over pay.
Workers who pack and load ammonium nitrate produced at the Billingham site will strike in September and October over a pay dispute.
The union, Unite, said workers are angry over a pay offer from employer Hargreaves Industrial Services.
They will strike from 12th to 20th September and from 28th September to 6th October.
Industrial action will escalate if the dispute is not resolved, Unite warned.
The strikes will cause severe disruption to CF Fertiliser’s Billingham operations and impact the supply of fertiliser for farmers across the country, Unite said.
Hargreaves had a turnover of £59 million and made pre-tax profits of £2.9 million in the year ending May 2023, according to Unite.
CF Fertiliser, the client, had a turnover of £252 million in the year ending December 2023 and made operating profits of £30 million.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Both Hargreaves and CF Fertiliser can fully afford to ensure these workers receive a fair pay offer.
“Our members at Billingham will receive Unite’s total backing during these strikes.”
Unite regional officer Neil Howells added: “There is still time for industrial action to be avoided but that will require a pay offer being put forward that our members can accept.”
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