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Up to 40 workers at Haldane Fisher's Newry-based central supply store began all-out strike action yesterday, 10 June following the rejection of a pay offer which their union claim is below inflation. The strike called by Unite the Union, is the result of an escalating pay dispute.
Workers voted to reject a two per cent pay increase a rise the union said fails to keep pace with inflation.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said the workforce had been left with little choice. "Haldane-Fisher workers are low paid who have watched their pay fail to keep pace with inflation or increases to the bare legal minimum. They are determined to end a practice of having paltry pay increases imposed by management. They can count on the full support of Unite in their struggle for decent pay and respect."
Unite Regional Officer Sean Smyth said management's handling of the dispute had hardened feeling among members. "Management's approach to our union and our membership has been highly disrespectful. This has really angered our members and this ballot for strike action has been decisive."
Smyth said the door remained open to resolve the dispute before further disruption takes hold. "Management can still avert the severe disruption to the company's operations across Northern Ireland. They must return to the table with a pay offer addressing our members' legitimate pay expectations."
11/6/26 10pm Haldane Fisher Statement
Industrial action is currently taking place at our Newry branch in relation to a pay claim. Those involved represent approximately 3% of our total workforce.
We fully recognise and respect the right of our colleagues to take part in lawful, peaceful protest. Throughout this period, the colleagues involved have conducted themselves peacefully and respectfully, and we acknowledge and thank them for that.
We remain committed to constructive dialogue as we have previously outlined to our colleagues.
At the same time, we have received a number of complaints regarding the conduct of certain individuals on the picket line, including full-time officials of Unite the Union, and other parties who are not part of our workforce. These complaints relate to the intimidation of customers, suppliers and our colleagues as they enter and leave the premises. We take these reports seriously and are actively investigating them further.
Every colleague has the right to feel safe at their place of work, and every customer and supplier has the right to come and go from our premises without feeling intimidated. We will not tolerate any behaviour that compromises that, regardless of its source.
We continue to support our colleagues, customers and suppliers in Newry and across the business, and we will provide further updates as appropriate.
Addition 7/7/26
Haldane Fisher have released a statement commenting on current strike action taking place at the Carnbane business in which they say they want to correct the public record on the industrial action which has been taking place at the Newry headquarters of the business.
"Haldane Fisher wishes to correct several inaccurate claims made publicly about industrial action at its Newry (Carnbane) facility, and to set out an accurate factual record.
Claim: The company refused to engage.
Unite served notice of an industrial action ballot on 6 May, before any discussions had taken place. When the ballot result was issued on 3 June, the company engaged the Labour Relations Agency, attended scheduled talks on 8 June, and has continued discussions with colleagues' representatives since.
Claim: A 2.5% pay increase was imposed.
The 2.5% group wide pay increase was applied solely to avoid financially disadvantaging the colleagues Unite represents while matters remained unresolved, a position that arose because the pay claim was submitted late. The company confirmed in writing at the time that the matter remained open to negotiation with Unite.
On 29 June, company representatives met with Unite and tabled a fair, improved offer in line with the current rate of inflation. This was rejected by the union.
Claim: Pay has fallen behind inflation.
We recognise the real pressure inflation places on households. Since 2021, Haldane Fisher operational colleagues have received cumulative pay increases 7% above inflation. However, the sector has moved into a cost-of-doing-business crisis, and any settlement must be sustainable to protect jobs and colleagues' long-term security.
On public comment
The company is disappointed that elected political representatives have commented publicly and, in some cases, visited the picket line without first seeking its position or establishing the facts. A fair resolution is not helped by one side being given a public platform before the facts are established."
A Haldane Fisher spokesperson added: “We sought independent help before any strike, we attended the table, and our door remains open. Our focus is a fair resolution and the protection of jobs for all our colleagues.”
