WORKERS for a world-famous packaging brand in Winsford are celebrating after 36 days of strike action ended 'amicably'. 

Staff at the Jiffy plant in Winsford – where Jiffy bags are made – managed to secure a four per cent pay increase while maintained all existing terms and conditions.

Workers had originally been offered a one per cent pay increase or a three per cent increase with 'dramatic reductions' in sickness benefits, a spokesman for the strikers said. 

More than 50 members of Unite, the trade union, had taken 36 days of industrial action in the dispute with their employer. 

Following strike action, which Unite says ‘crippled’ production, workers won a substantially improved offer of four per cent backdated to March 1, this year.

Unite also revealed Jiffy made almost £6 million in gross profits, according to its last published accounts.

Workers also maintained their sick pay entitlement at current levels, as well as removing a fob system which monitored workers' toilet breaks, described as ‘degrading’ by union officials.

Jiffy workers were awarded a four per cent pay rise after an initial offer from bosses of one per centJiffy workers were awarded a four per cent pay rise after an initial offer from bosses of one per cent (Image: Unite)

Further assurances over redundancies and retraining have also been guaranteed. 

Unite regional officer for the Northwest, Gary Fairclough, said: “This pay deal would not have been possible without the hard work of our reps and the dedication of our members at Jiffy. 

“The message from this dispute is clear. If workers want a pay rise, they should join Unite and ensure their colleagues join too.”

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: "This shows the power of Unite and the power of the union movement.

"We backed our members at Jiffy in their fight for better pay and to protect their terms and conditions. 

"Because they fought hard for what was rightfully theirs, they won the dispute. 

"They should be applauded for standing firm against this household name who tried so hard to shortchange them." 

In addition to the strike action, staff have been refusing to work any overtime since July 1.

Jiffy’s technical director, Barrie Allen, said: “We’re glad we were able to reach an amicable agreement suitable for the company and staff alike.”