Zarah ChoudharyStrikes by Llanelli Gestamp workers are set to impact the supply of metal components to Nissan, BMW, JLR, Aston Martin and INEOS.
Around 200 workers on various grades, represented by Unite, will strike action later this month over pay rates by Gestamp.
The Spanish-based company brought in revenues of €12.3bn in 2023 and reported a profitability earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of €1.4bn.
Many of the workers at the Llanelli factory earn the national minimum wage and will only be taken slightly above it under the company’s current offer.
Starter rates at Gestamp’s sister site in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, will rise to £13.77 in January 2025.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Our members at Gestamp at Llanelli will not be treated like second-class employees compared to their Newton Aycliffe colleagues.
“Gestamp is massively wealthy – it has absolutely no excuse to refuse these workers a fair deal.
“Unite defends our members’ jobs, pay and conditions to the hilt and is backing Gestamp’s Llanelli workforce all the way.”
Strikes will take place from 28th October to 11th November.
Andrew Pearson, regional officer at Unite, said: “The bull-headed and contemptuous attitude of Gestamp’s Llanelli’s management towards its members will only serve to escalate this dispute.
“Gestamp must explain to Nissan, JLR and its other clients that they are facing a shortage of components because it is disdainful of its staff and pays poverty rates.
“Strikes can still be avoided but that will require an acceptable offer being tabled.”
Workplace Journal has reached out to Llanelli Gestamp for a comment.
