Tetley Tea Factory Pay Dispute Resolved After Worker Walkouts

The pay dispute that led to industrial action at a Tetley Tea factory has been concluded. Employees at the Eaglescliffe site in Stockton-on-Tees initiated walkouts in September and October. These actions followed accusations by unions of “poverty pay” for the predominantly female workforce. Tata Consumer Products, the company operating the facility, announced that a “satisfactory resolution to the pay dispute” had been achieved and accepted by both the Unite and GMB unions, along with their members. Unite expressed satisfaction with the company’s improved offer, while the GMB stated that workers “can get back to making the UK’s favourite brew again”. The Tetley facility in Eaglescliffe is the firm’s largest, supplying 30% of the UK’s tea. Tata Consumer Products confirmed that a revised two-year pay deal had been accepted by the unions. A spokesperson for the company added: “We look forward to welcoming all our colleagues back into the business and working together for a productive future.” Paul Clarke, a GMB organiser, conveyed his pleasure that the company “got back round the table” to finalize an agreement. “These workers have fought hard to get the pay rise they deserve – 10% over two years – which they’ve overwhelmingly accepted,” Mr Clarke further stated.