Dale farm drivers and engineers to strike – firm says contingency plans in place

Dale Farm has moved to reassure customers and farmers that milk supplies will continue as normal, after trade union Unite confirmed that drivers and engineers will stage strike action from later this month.

The dairy co-operative said it has “contingency plans in place” to ensure milk is collected from farms and products continue to reach shelves, despite Unite warning that the walkout could disrupt both milk collection and production.

Industrial action is set to begin on Wednesday 20 August at multiple Dale Farm production sites after engineers and drivers voted overwhelmingly in favour of a pay dispute.

In a formal ballot, 89% of engineers and 90% of drivers backed the move. Unite claims Dale Farm workers are paid less than industry comparators in Northern Ireland.

The union plans a three-day stoppage in the first week, another three-day strike in the second week, and a five-day strike in the third week. If no agreement is reached, an all-out strike will follow from week four.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said:

“Dale Farm engineers and drivers are determined to win a needed pay increase. Dale Farm is a highly successful enterprise and can afford to pay their skilled workforce properly. The workers can count on the full support of Unite for as long as it takes to win fair pay and respect.”

Unite Regional Officer Simon Hall added:

“Dale Farm workers at multiple sites will participate in the strike. Given the involvement of so many drivers and engineers, this industrial action will very likely affect both milk collection and production. Management knows what is needed to avoid this outcome: they need to provide an increase meeting our members’ legitimate pay expectations.”

Dale Farm response

In a statement issued on 12 August, a Dale Farm spokesperson said:

“We value all our staff and take pride in our employee relations. We believe we have made a very fair offer to this small group of our workforce, and we urge them, and Unite, to reconsider their decision.

“Our farmers can be assured that we have contingency plans in place, and their milk will be collected, as normal, during this period. We also want to assure our customers and our consumers that there will be no interruption to the supply of any of our products.

“We remain open to discussions with our team and Unite, in the hope of reaching a resolution.”

Dale Farm, one of Northern Ireland’s largest dairy processors, operates production facilities across the region, supplying milk, cheese, and other dairy products to major retailers.

The dispute comes amid wider industrial unrest in the agri-food sector, with unions pushing for pay increases in line with inflation and rising living costs.