Mahle workers in Kilmarnock to be balloted on strike action
The dispute at the engineering plant is over 'top-up payments'
Last updated 11th Apr 2023
Workers at an engineering plant in Kilmarnock are being balloted on strike action in a dispute over pay.
120 members of Unite are voting on whether to walk out at Mahle Engine Systems because the union claims there are discrepancies over "top up payments."
Unite is demanding that the ‘top-up’, which equates to 6.8 per cent on top of the January increase, be applied to all workers across the plant.
The union has also accused Mahle of acting outside the collective bargaining arrangements.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “It’s unacceptable that Mahle management think a top-up payment can be made to some of the workforce instead of applying it to all.
"Our members are furious over the unfair way they have been treated and they are rightly looking for pay parity."
“They will have their union’s full support in fighting for equal treatment and better jobs, terms and conditions across the entire Kilmarnock plant.”
Mahle makes high-quality components for motorsport engines, combustion engines and electric vehicles.
Unite has a two-year pay agreement with Mahle following industrial action at the company in April 2022.
A spokesperson for Mahle said: "At Mahle Engine Systems UK Ltd, Kilmarnock, a collective wage agreement with a term of two years is in place, which MAHLE honours.
"Mahle is in talks with the employee representatives in order to resolve a dispute that has arisen outside this agreement."
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