Workers at West Midlands-based electric wheelchair manufacturer Sunrise Medical have voted for four days of strike action in a dispute over pay.

Four separate days of strike action have been called, which will cause widespread disruption to production at the Brierley Hill factory in Dudley. The strikes will take place on Monday 14 June, Friday 18 June, Monday 21 June and Friday 25 June.

The workers are seeking a three per cent pay increase and an additional day of holiday for Christmas Eve. Workers were balloted for strike action as a result of a breakdown in pay talks.

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According to the Unite union, who are representing the workers, workers were particularly disappointed with the response of management as they have worked hard in recent years to support Sunrise Medical through a period of intense organisational change, the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit.

While strike action has been called there is still the possibility of the dispute being averted by the company returning to the negotiating table or successful talks being brokered by the conciliation service Acas.

Unite Regional Officer Su Lowe said: “Workers at Sunrise Medical have repeatedly gone the extra mile to ensure the company is successful.

“They simply wish for their hard work, flexibility, commitment and dedication to be properly rewarded.

“The breakdown in pay talks means that the workforce felt that they had no option but to take strike action, very much as a last resort.

“If strike action does occur it will inevitably result in major disruption to the production of electric wheelchairs at the factory.

“Even at this late stage strike action can still be avoided either by Sunrise Medical returning to the negotiating table with an improved offer or through constructive talks brokered by Acas.”

Founded in 1983, Sunrise Medical was originally based in Wollaston, Northamptonshire. Now operating in 18 countries, with headquarters in Malsch, Germany, it is one of the largest suppliers in the mobility market.

The manufacturer employs over 2,200 associates worldwide and distributes to more than 130 countries under its brands, which include Quickie, Sopur, Jay, Zippie, Breezy, Sterling and Coopers.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Sunrise-QUICKIE.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Sunrise-QUICKIE-150x150.jpgLiane McIvorNewsroomSupplier NewsTrade Newspay,strike,Sunrise Medical,union,UniteWorkers at West Midlands-based electric wheelchair manufacturer Sunrise Medical have voted for four days of strike action in a dispute over pay. Four separate days of strike action have been called, which will cause widespread disruption to production at the Brierley Hill factory in Dudley. The strikes will take place...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals