Marley Eternit pay deal averts strike

Workers at Marley Eternit have called off the threat of further strikes after accepting a new pay deal.

Following a pay freeze, about 150 Unite members took strike action on 3 December, with the threat of more to follow.

After 10 hours of intense talks involving the arbitration service ACAS, a new deal has been accepted. It includes a £300 lump sum for 2007 and a 3.5% rise on all rates in 2008, plus a guaranteed increase in 2009.

Neil Salter, Unite regional organiser, said: "This is a substantial step forward from where we were as it removes the pay freeze, offers a payment for 2007, and also guarantees a pay increase."