Pay deal averts carpets firm strike

The threat of strike action at Ulster Carpets in Portadown was lifted today after management and unions agreed a new three-year pay deal.

More than 200 members of the union Unite lifted the threat, which prompted renewed talks with management of the carpet manufacturer at the Labour Relations Agency.

Workers balloted on industrial action after turning down an offer of 4% plus a one-off payment of £150.

The union had been seeking 4.8% in line with the Retail Price Index.

Unite regional organiser Sean McKeever said after the talks at the LRA: “The deal means that workers will now get a 4.6% pay rise backdated to March for 2007 and 0.6% above the RPI for 2008 and 2009 from the anniversary date.”