Strike Threat at Tyre Plant Lifted

The threat of strike action at the Michelin tyre plant in Ballymena has been lifted, the Belfast Telegraph has reported. Workers at the plant voted by a substantial majority not to embark on a course of industrial action. As a result, union negotiators have told management that a pay offer, which had been rejected in November will now be accepted.

Bobby Hanna, regional industrial organiser of the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union, said 336 members had voted against industrial action and 240 in favour, with three spoiled papers and 212 abstentions.

“The result makes clear that there is not sufficient support for industrial action at Michelin,” he said. “Consequently the senior shop stewards met and agreed to advise management that we are accepting the pay offer for 2005.”

A spokesman for Michelin said: “We are pleased that the union has signed the pay agreement and we look forward to working with it on the long term development plans for the Ballymena site.” Mr Hanna said: “We are not happy with the deal but we believe major changes are on the way for Ballymena.”

He said the union had been told that Ballymena was currently fifth lowest of the 20 Michelin tyre plants in terms of efficiency, and said it was vital that the factory was made more competitive, which has been here for 35 years, can have a bright future,” he said.