Hundreds of CNH Industrial workers to go on strike

Over 500 CNH workers are striking on 14th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th and 30th May – and the UK union Unite is warning more strikes will be scheduled if the pay dispute is not resolved.

According to Unite, the dispute relates to an agreement struck in 2022 that pay increases would be calculated by the average rate of inflation over the year. However, the union says this should equate to 7.4% for 2024 but CNH is offering 4%. 

For 2025, the company is offering the rate of inflation as of December 2024.

Unite said the strike action this month will “severely compromise” the supply of New Holland tractors from the 60-year-old CNH factory in Basildon. However, CNH Industrial has said it does not foresee any disruption to tractor supply.

“Committed to reaching an agreement”

Responding to the strikes, a spokesperson for CNH said: “CNH is in negotiations with the Unite Trade Union representing employees based at the company’s manufacturing site in Basildon, Essex. 

“Following a ballot of its members, the Union has informed the company that the workforce has voted in favour of both Industrial Action Short of Strike Action and for Strike Action. 

“The Union has also informed the company of the dates on which it intends to hold strikes. The company is disappointed that the parties were unable to reach an agreement and that the Unite Union has decided on this course of action.

“We recognise the Union’s decision creates high anxiety among our represented employees in Basildon, as well as our other employees, our customers, and our community. During this period, we foresee no disruption to tractor supply. 

“The company remains committed to reaching an agreement, and we are keen to work with the Union to resolve this situation in a timely manner. We will continue to negotiate in good faith and trust that the Union will do the same.”

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