Striking staff at textiles firm secure 6% pay rise

Workers at two textile factories are celebrating after their industrial action secured them a new pay deal worth 6.1% over two years.

More than 50 people at WSP Textiles in Stroud and Dursley in Gloucestershire have been taking part in strike action after rejecting a pay rise offer of 2.35%.

Unite union said the firm's production line staff earned less than £13 an hour while the company's highest-paid director earns in the region of £100,000 a year.

Chief executive of WSP Duncan Kettell said he was "delighted" the company had reached an agreement with strikers - the first in the company's history.

The workers, who produce snooker table baize and tennis ball felt, took to the picket line to demand a fairer wage.

After a series of strikes, a new offer of 3.1% backdated to May 2025 and a further 3% from May 2026 was accepted.

Workers have also won an additional half day of annual leave and a 1% increase in their employer's pension contribution.

Additionally, Unite will have one additional workplace representative for future pay and conditions negotiations and WSP has committed to talks over a potential bonus scheme.

Unite regional officer Michael Hobbs said: "Our members hadn't had a decent pay rise in years, so I'm delighted they've now won a significant increase.

"The work they do supplies some of the world's best paid sports stars all over the world.

"They fought hard for this pay rise which is nothing less than they deserve and leaves them and Unite in a better place for negotiations in the future."

A spokesperson for WSP Textiles said work is now "returning to normal" after employees voted "strongly in favour" of the deal.

"Common sense has prevailed and our original offer has been accepted ensuring WSP remains competitive on the global stage," said Kettell.

"At the same time we've agreed some enhanced benefits in recognition of our hard working employees."

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.