Manufacturing workers building semiconductors for a range of markets will begin voting on strike action today in a dispute over a real terms pay cut.
Despite £39 million in profit, Diodes Zetex Semiconductors Ltd in Oldham is offering its workers a paltry 5.5 per cent pay increase when inflation (RPI) is 9 per cent says the Unite Union
Its parent company Diodes Incorporated made massive gross profits of £827 million in 2022, up 23 per cent.
Unite is balloting 126 members comprising of direct manufacturing operatives, professional engineers and support staff. There are 23 workers earning just the minimum wage.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This global giant is swimming in cash while the workers in Oldham are struggling to keep their heads above water. It’s no wonder they’re voting on strike action. This is a company which can easily afford to raise salaries.
“The workers have Unite’s full support throughout their campaign for a fair wage instead of a pay cut.”
The skilled manufacturing workers build leading, high quality semiconductor devices for industrial, automotive, computing, consumer electronics and communications markets. The company supplies components to a large number of electronics manufacturers and strike action will disrupt the supply chains of these manufacturers.
Unite regional officer Tracey Ashworth said: “The skilled manufacturing workers at Diodes Zetex Semiconductors Ltd have helped to make the company hugely profitable and successful. It’s only right that they get a fair share of the profits.
“There’s still time to negotiate and avoid industrial action. We hope management uses this time wisely.”
