Risk of beef and lamb shortages amidst ABP Craigavon workers’ strike
Workers at the Anglo Beef Processors UK (ABP) plant in Craigavon have overwhelmingly voted to take strike action.
Unite, which represents over 150 meat packers, trimmers, distribution, kill line and boning workers, is seeking a fair pay increase for its members who are paid a piece rate.
In a statement, Unite said management had offered a 3% raise with a one-off cash payment of £100 and 3% from April 2026, but added this would amount to a real-terms pay cut.
The strike, which will commence from 00.01am on Monday 27th October, will see shortages in beef and lamb on the shelves of many supermarkets, including Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the ABP workers at Craigavon could count on Unite’s full support in their fight for fair pay.
“ABP’s success has been built by workers. The company can well afford to pay a decent pay increase but instead is choosing to squeeze our members’ living standards to maximise profits,” she said.
Regional officer Sean Smyth added: “If ABP management wants to avoid severe disruption of their Craigavon plant, they need to return to the negotiating table and agree a fair deal for members.”
