Super-union Unite and the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) have concluded a national agreement on behalf of 3,000 workers in the paper manufacturing industry.
Following 18 months of negotiation and consultation, Unite members have voted overwhelmingly for the deal.
The national agreement includes up to 10 days’ full pay for paternity leave, up to five days’ full pay for bereavement leave, an industry sick pay agreement, a temporary and agency worker agreement, and a model information and consultation agreement.
The papermaking industry employs more than 10,000 people at more than 60 locations in the UK, but has struggled to remain competitive in the face of strong international competition and soaring energy prices.
Papermaking, along with printing, is one of the few industries in the UK to have industry-wide bargaining arrangements. A dispute over pay in 2004 prompted employers and unions to consider better ways to work together.
Unite national officer Peter Ellis said: “I believe this new agreement raises the employment standards for workers in the paper manufacturing industry.”
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A formal launch of the agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry, which co-funded the deal, will now take place.
