More than 500 workers at CNH Industrial’s tractor factory in Basildon are set to continue their strike action throughout June, according to Unite, the UK’s leading union.

The industrial action follows a 10-day strike in May, triggered by CNH’s violation of a 2022 agreement that specified pay increases would be based on the average inflation rate over the past year. Instead, CNH proposed a mere 4% raise for 2024, falling short of the agreed 7.4%. The company, which reported profits of £2.4b in 2023, has marked its offer for 2024 to the inflation rate as of January 2024.

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Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated: “CNH will not get away with its broken pay promises. It is making massive profits and the only reason the company is reneging on the deal is out and out corporate greed. No amount of double-dealing or attempts to undermine the strikes will work, CNH Basildon workforce will not back down, and they have the full power of Unite supporting them.”

Forecasts suggest CNH Group’s profits will remain strong for the next three years. In 2022, CEO Scott Wine received a total compensation package of £19m, which is 310 times the average worker’s salary at CNH Group.

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CNH has hinted at a revised offer but insists it will not present it unless Unite agrees to recommend the unseen deal to its members. This tactic is seen as part of CNH’s broader strategy to undermine the strike. The company has also reportedly targeted Unite workplace representatives by altering their shifts and roles and reducing hours for other staff.

Unite regional officer Michelle Cook commented: “CNH’s duplicity, time-wasting and attempts at strike breaking have not only failed, they have also strengthened our members resolve and resulted in even more workers joining the union.

“There is only one way that this dispute will be settled and that is for CNH to put forward an acceptable offer.”