Pilgrim’s Europe’s workers have announced plans to escalate their strike action at the company’s Enniskillen site, according to Unite the Union.

Around 130 members who are part of the workforce are seeking a cost of living pay increase and an end to the unequal payment of breaks at the food manufacturer’s site.

The union has delivered a notice to the employer of a further two-week strike starting at 0630am on Monday 17 August after a vote by workers.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Pilgrim’s is a very successful company making huge after-tax profits.

“It can well afford to pay its workers properly but our members in Enniskillen are paid less than colleagues on sites elsewhere in the UK and little above the bare legal minimum.

“The workers will have the full and continuing support of Unite for as long as it takes to win pay justice and respect.”

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According to Unite the Union, the industrial dispute is due to the failure of the employer to offer an inflation-proof pay increase that also addresses unequal pay for breaks.

The company’s morning shift workers are paid for only 15-minute breaks, while evening and night shift employees are paid for only 30 minutes.

Unite the Union stated that Pilgrim’s Europe, the operator of the site reported a post-tax profit of £128.4m for the 2024 financial year which marked a 21.1 per cent rise year-on-year. However, the employees at the Enniskillen site are paid above the bare legal minimum wages according to Unite.

A spokesperson for Pilgrim’s Europe said: “We have made a pay offer above inflation and remain committed to constructive discussions with the Union. Our priority is ensuring all employees feel safe and respected throughout this period while we continue to focus on serving our customers and supporting our people.”