Lincat manufacturer workers announce month-long strike

Commercial kitchen appliance maker Lincat is facing a fresh wave of strikes next week, after its workers walked out on the manufacturer earlier this month over pay.

More than 100 workers at the Lincolnshire company’s headquarters and site are planning a month long walk out, lasting from 25 September until 23 October. The first strike occurred for a week, starting on 4 September (image above).

Supported by workers’ union Unite, Lincat workers have rejected a split pay deal of 8%. This includes 5.5% pay rise from January to June this year, which would be back paid, and a further 2.5% for the rest of the year.

Speaking to The Caterer, Lincat worker and Unite representative Mark Wain said Lincat has “started to withdraw the privileges we used to have” and, as a result, “we're virtually left with nothing now”.

He added: “It’s got to the point where it is unsustainable, so we need to do something about it.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members resolve to receive a fair pay rise is rock solid. They know that Lincat and its owner Middleby are very profitable and can more than afford to put a reasonable offer forward. The only reason this is not happening is corporate greed. The workforce at Lincat have the full force their union behind them as they fight for fair pay.”

Lincat, which is part of the US industrial and commercial equipment firm Middleby, manufactures commercial kitchen appliances, including oven ranges, hobs, and combi steamers.

Unite regional officer Lee Purslow said the strikes are “entirely of Lincat’s own making”, adding its clients will face disruption “because of the company’s greed”.

The Caterer has contacted Lincat for comment.