The move comes after an improved offer was made by management.

The strike was due to commence from midnight on Monday 27^th October, however Unite the union is now balloting its members at ABP Craigavon on whether they will accept the new offer.

There had been fears of a risk of beef and lamb shortages if the strike went ahead. Unite represents over 150 meat packers, trimmers, distribution, kill line and boning workers, and is seeking a fair pay increase for its members who are paid a piece rate.

Management had offered a 3% raise with a one-off cash payment of £100 and 3% from April 2026, however Unite said this would amount to a real-terms pay cut.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said ABP workers at Craigavon could count on the union’s full support in their fight for 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.

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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 27^th 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.”

The post Risk of beef and lamb shortages amidst ABP Craigavon workers’ strike first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Unite the Union has said workers at the plant will be balloted after failure to agree a meat packers cost of living pay claim.

The ballot will open on Thursday 25^th September and close on Tuesday 13^th October.

Representing more than 150 meat packers, trimmers, distribution, kill line and boning workers on the site, Unite is seeking a cost-of-living pay increase for its members who are paid a piece rate. Management have offer 3.2% to the workforce with a one-off cash payment of £100, which Unite state is a real terms pay cut. The offer was rejected by workers.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said the ABP workers at Craigavon had the full support of Unite.

“ABP food group is a highly successful company whose success is built by its workers. It can fully afford to pay a decent pay increase but has prioritised profits over people,” said Sharon.

Regional officer Sean Smyth added: “Strike action will inevitably cause severe disruption at ABP. Management needs to return to the negotiating table and deliver an offer that meets their legitimate pay needs.”

The post Strike ballot to take place at ABP’s Craigavon plant first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.