Industrial unrest at Flahavan’s has ended after workers secured wage increases ranging from 13% to 21.5% following months of disputes over pay and flexibility arrangements. Trade union Unite, representing workers at the Co Waterford plant in Kilmacthomas, announced the negotiated agreement on Sunday, bringing bakery operatives into alignment with mill staff.
Pay Adjustments and Bakery Parity at Kilmacthomas Plant
The resolution follows a ballot for industrial action last month after staff rejected management proposals linking new pay terms to proposed flexibility arrangements. Under the final terms, bakery packers will receive a 13% parity increase while bakery processors secure a 21.5% parity increase, with both adjustments taking effect on 1 January 2026. In addition to the role-specific parity increases, Unite secured a general 3.5% pay increase backdated to 1 January of this year. The newly negotiated agreement will remain in place until 30 June 2027, covering the workforce of nearly 150 employees at the site, approximately 90 of whom are represented by Unite.
Union Response and Financial Context for Finegrove Holdings
Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey described the outcome as a wage and equality win for the oat producer’s workforce. “Elimination of pay discrepancies has been a long-standing demand of our members and could only have been delivered through collective organisation,” Drummey stated. Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham added that the agreement demonstrates solidarity remains the most effective tool for workers aiming to improve terms and conditions. The dispute took place against a backdrop of rising turnover at parent company Finegrove Holdings Limited, which reported a turnover of €38 million in the 12 months leading to the end of June 2025, up from €35.6 million the previous year. However, operating profits for the parent company declined from €1.9 million in 2024 to €422,829 for last year, ahead of the implementation of the new multi-year wage deal.
