Workers at a cocoa factory have received a raise thanks to one of the UK’s leading unions.

Around 200 workers - Production operatives and technicians - at Barry Callebaut chocolate factory in Banbury will see their salaries, bonuses and pensions increase by 10 per cent.

The one-year deal was secured by Unite, one of the UK’s leading unions, without the need for industrial action.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “When employers can afford to put forward a decent pay rise, we are determined to ensure that they do.

“Once again, Unite’s total focus on boosting jobs, pay and conditions has delivered for our members.

Read more: Artist creates post box toppers to raise money for mental health charity 

This deal could not have been achieved without the efforts of our representatives at Barry Callebaut and the support of Unite members.”

Unite regional Officer Chris Moon said: “This pay deal represents a fair and equitable increase to keep our members’ earnings in line with the cost-of-living crisis pressures they are facing.

“It also recognises the company’s strong performance following Covid and the loyalty of its workforce throughout that difficult period.”

The factory produces chocolate and cocoa products for a number of high-profile companies including Cadbury, Nestle and Mars.

Barry Callebaut operates a Chocolate Academy centre in Banbury – a hub for exploring the latest trends, techniques and recipes in chocolate.

Which is helping to meet the increasing demand for new and high-quality chocolate products in the UK.

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

A message from our Editor

Thank you for reading this story and supporting the Oxford Mail.

If you like what we do please consider getting a subscription for the Oxford Mail and in return we’ll give you unrestricted access with less adverts across our website from the latest news, investigations, features, and sport.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok for more. 

You can also join the conversation in our Facebook groups: stay ahead of traffic alerts here, keep up to date with the latest from court here, share your favourite memories of Oxford here, get your daily dose of celebrity news here and take some time out with news that will make you smile. 

If you’ve got a story for our reporters, send us your news here. You can also list an event for free here.