Unite has announced that Pilgrims Europe workers at the Enniskillen production facility will begin continuous strike action from tomorrow (2 September).

Pilgrims Europe is a major food group which produces popular brands such as Richmond Sausages and Fridge Raiders.

This comes after continued escalation of the work dispute and three weeks of strikes, with the trade union first announcing threats last month.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Pilgrims is a hugely profitable company making massive profits while its workers earn just pennies above the bare legal minimum. It can easily make its workers a fair offer but is choosing not to.

“Our members are determined to win an improved deal – they have the total support of Unite for as long as it takes to achieve that.”

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The union has stated that employees are seeking a pay rise and an amendment to the current schedule where morning shift workers do not receive fully paid breaks.

According to the trade union, the lowest-paid employees receive an hourly rate of £12.82, which is a figure only eleven pence above the minimum wage.

However, the company stated it has made multiple offers to increase the workers’ pay but was rejected by Unite.

A spokesperson for Pilgrim’s Europe said: “The company has already made a number of above-inflation pay offers, backdated as part of the proposals, which have been rejected by Unite. In addition, we have put forward proposals aimed at addressing concerns relating to paid breaks for day-shift employees.

“We continue to be available for further constructive dialogue with Unite and are focused on reaching an agreement that is fair, sustainable and in the best interests of our employees and the long-term operation of the site.”