Flahavan’s averts strike at Irish porridge plant

A planned strike at the Flahavan’s porridge manufacturing plant in Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford, has been averted following a revised pay agreement. The facility is a major producer, accounting for over half of all oats sold in Ireland.

The dispute arose after workers, represented by the Unite union, rejected a management proposal that sought to link a pay increase to a new flexibility policy. Following a unanimous vote for industrial action, management agreed to decouple the proposed pay deal from the unnegotiated flexibility arrangements.

Approximately 100 Unite members will now ballot on the revised pay deal. Once that process concludes, union representatives and management are expected to continue discussions regarding the remaining flexibility policies. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated that the outcome demonstrated the effectiveness of organized labor in defending terms and conditions.