Gloucestershire factory staff get new two-year pay deal following strike

Workers at two textile factories in Gloucestershire have agreed to a new two year pay deal.

Unite members at WSP, who make snooker table baize and tennis ball felt, had been on strike earlier this year in a dispute over pay.

After a series of strikes, a new offer of 3.1 per cent backdated to May 2025 and a further three per cent from May 2026 was made to the workers by WSP which was accepted. Staff have also won an additional half day of annual leave, plus a one per cent increase in their employer's pension contribution.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This shows that Unite is the winning union and that there is power in a workplace union that backs its members. Workers at WSP should be congratulated on having the courage to take strike action to achieve their goals."

Unite regional officer Michael Hobbs said: "Our members hadn't had a decent pay rise in years, so I'm delighted they've now won a significant increase. The work they do supplies some of the world's best paid sports stars all over the world. They fought hard for this pay rise which is nothing less than they deserve and leaves them and Unite in a better place for negotiations in the future."

Chief executive of WSP, Duncan Kettell, said he was delighted the company had reached an agreement with the strikers – the first in the company’s history.

“Common sense has prevailed and our original offer has been accepted ensuring WSP remains competitive on the global stage. At the same time we’ve agreed some enhanced benefits in recognition of our hard working employees” said Mr Kettell.

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