Workers at the Tyrells crisp factory in Herefordshire have secured the right to negotiate pay and conditions through GMB Union, in a move that comes after recent job losses at the site.
Around 130 employees will be covered by the agreement, signed this week, which means GMB will negotiate with management on workers' behalf, including over annual pay rises.
The deal is the first union recognition agreement in the history of the Tyrells site near Leominster, where the well-known crisps are still made on the farm where the business began.
It follows Tyrells owner KP snacks announcing seven roles were being made redundant at the site between Leominster and Dilwyn as it cut local van distribution and telesales on August 31.
A spokesperson said demand for the services has fallen as customers source products through wholesale and cash-and-carry channels instead.
On the new agreement, the union said it will give workers a stronger voice when it comes to pay, terms and conditions.
Tom Warnett, GMB senior organiser, said: "This landmark deal is the first of its kind at this famous company, making some of the UK's favourite crisps. It has come off the back of dedicated work by our GMB reps on site.
"We look forward to working together with the company to keep high-quality jobs making a high-quality product.
"Workers across Herefordshire and in food manufacturing across the country are organising through GMB Union to get a seat at the negotiating table. With new powers under the Employment Rights Act, this agreement is a sign of things to come."
The agreement means GMB will now formally represent workers in discussions with the company over pay and workplace issues.
Share