Tarmac Derbyshire strike averted as workers accept improved pay offer

Unite the union press release

For immediate distribution - 17 September 2025

Tarmac Derbyshire strike averted as workers accept improved pay offer

A strike at Tarmac's Alfreton plant in Derbyshire has been called off after Unite members accepted an improved offer on shift pay from the company.

Over 30 Unite members at the plant, who include maintenance workers, quality technicians and fitters who make aerated concrete blocks for construction projects and pack them on the production line, were set to walk out next week in a dispute around pay.

However, the dispute has been resolved after the workers accepted enhanced terms around shift pay. They will also now get double time overtime rate for bank holiday working where it is not a scheduled working day.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is yet another example of Unite winning for workers up and down the country. It always pays to be a member of a union.”

Workers at the Alfreton plant will also get a four per cent pay rise backdated to 1 January 2025 and this back pay will also apply to any applicable shift allowance and year-to-date overtime earnings.

Unite regional officer Paula Stephens said: "Workers at Tarmac stuck together and it paid off, as they now have been offered improved terms around shift pay which they would not have got if they hadn’t voted for industrial action.

"Workers seeking better pay and working conditions should join Unite and encourage their co-workers to do the same.”

ENDS