NEARLY 100 workers at a Bradford industrial refrigeration company are celebrating an above-inflation pay rise after a campaign led by the Unite union. 

Staff at EPTA, which supplies major supermarkets including Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons and the Co-op, had threatened to walk out over pay.

But according to Unite, following the threat of industrial action, the employer came back with an improved pay offer which sees workers benefit from a six per cent pay increase – backdated to April 1 – along with some additional clauses, a new bonus scheme, an improved holiday scheme and clear career progression. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This shows once again the power of a union and that Unite is winning for workers. 

“EPTA’s workers do a skilled job yet were being offered barely above the minimum wage.

“They stood together – and with Unite’s backing and the threat of strikes looming, the employer made a much improved offer.

“I’m delighted for our members who should be proud of their victory.” 

The workers undertake skilled work, where they build, paint, test and pack industrial fridges and freezer units.  

The Telegraph & Argus asked EPTA, based on Highfield Rodd, Idle, for a comment, but no response was provided.