MEMBERS of the Unite trade union walked out at the O-I Glassworks site in Harlow on Monday in a dispute over pay.

A trade union spokesperson confirmed the strikes in a variety of locations went ahead as planned and “there are more in the pipeline”.

There are no confirmed dates yet, as the union will need to give two weeks’ notice for further strike action.

In total, more than 160 members of Unite took part across a variety of plants, rejecting a pay offer of four per cent amid a cost of living crisis and the real inflation rate jumping to more than 11 per cent.

The union also pointed to the company’s quarterly results released in March this year, showing significant growth in both revenue and net income.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said ahead of the strikes: “O-I Glass is another shameful example of a business that can afford to pay a decent wage but won’t pay. The offer on the table is a pay cut, not a rise, and is entirely unacceptable.

“O-I Glass needs to return with an acceptable offer or face strike action by our members, who will have the full support of their union in this fight for fair pay.”

A spokesperson for O-I explained to the Alloa Advertiser this week that the company will continue to discuss the matter internally between the trade union and management in a bid to come to a constructive solution.

They said ahead of the strike: “In a difficult business environment overall, O-I offers well-paid jobs in a critical industry producing the most sustainable rigid packaging.

“In view of increasing energy and raw material costs as well as uncertainty in the energy markets, we have made a very appropriate and reasonable offer to the union.”