Indefinite strike threatens supply of TMD Friction brake products

Pay strikes intensified at TMD Friction’s Hartlepool factory, according to Unite, the UK’s leading union, on 23 February. Around 150 workers began strike action over pay earlier this month. That number has since increased to over 180 as more workers join the union. The workers have now moved to continuous indefinite strike action, risking brake product shortages for TMD’s partners, which include Rolls Royce, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Bentley and McLaren.

TMD Friction was previously owned by Nisshinbo Holdings Inc until it was sold to German-equity firm AEQUITA, whose automotive divisions account for €2 billion worth of sales. Even though TMD Friction reported losses of £4,000 in 2022, it had a turnover of £74.1 million and gross profits of £9 million.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “TMD’s accounts show it is generating a substantial amount of money, which is also the reason for its recent sale to a German multinational.

“Our members know that TMD can well afford to put forward a fair pay rise and that’s what needs to happen. They have Unite’s unwavering support as they take strike action.”

The majority of the workers are highly-skilled metal press operators but also include other factory and production staff.

The workers, who work shifts, including nights, without shift pay, are angry at the low pay on offer from their employer during a cost-of-living crisis. Many are on as little as £12.88 an hour and have been offered just a four per cent pay increase. This is in effect a real-terms pay cut, as the real rate of inflation (RPI) rate stood at nearly nine per cent in June when the pay rise was due.

Unite regional officer Mike Routledge said: “These strikes will continue as long as necessary and disruption to customers is entirely TMD’s and AEQUITA’s fault.

“Our members have the full force of Unite behind them and are increasingly angry at the management’s appalling attitude, including repeatedly refusing to enter talks with the union. This dispute will not end until an acceptable offer is put forward.”