FOOD,DRINK AND AGRICULTURE
Sector-Specific Bargaining
Jobs, pay and conditions is the driving force behind Unite - and in no sector is this more true than in the union's Food, Drink and Agriculture (FDA) sector. Unite FDA tirelessly fights to raise wages and improve conditions for our nation's food workers -- through collective bargaining agreements, for example, or pay negotiations, which you can find out more about in the points below. But ultimately, Unite FDA members always stand ready to take industrial action if it comes to it -- as evidenced by the many strikes in the sector in 2024. You can read more about these strikes in our Landworker feature by clicking the red button below.
Collective Bargaining Agreements:
Negotiate contracts that address wages, hours, and working conditions specific to food production, processing, and retail. This includes addressing seasonal and part-time work arrangements common in agriculture.
Collective Bargaining Agreements:
Benchmarking:
Conduct thorough research to establish wage benchmarks based on industry standards and the cost of living, ensuring demands are grounded in economic realities.
Comprehensive Agreements:
Include clauses that address not just wages but also benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, and paid leave.
Focus on Job Security:
Stabilisation Measures:
Negotiate for seasonal job protections, ensuring workers are not laid off during off-peak seasons without sufficient notice or support.
Retraining Programmes:
Advocate for retraining opportunities for workers whose roles may be affected by automation or market shifts.
Equitable Pay Structures:
Wage Transparency Initiatives:
Encourage employers to disclose wage structures to promote fairness and prevent discrimination based on gender, race, or immigration status.
Living Wage Campaigns:
Push for a living wage that reflects the true cost of living in the areas where workers are employed, with regular adjustments based on economic indicators.
