Hartlepool TMD ends strike after Unite secures pay deal

Strike action by more than 180 Hartlepool workers employed at TMD Friction, which supplies car makers with brake products, has ended after Unite secured a two year 11 per cent pay deal.

A reported 150 workers began industrial action in early January with that number swelling to over 180 by the end of the month.

The workers have now voted to accept the deal of 7.5 per cent backdated to June 2023 and 3.5 per cent from June this year.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members at TMD Friction would not be moved and their determination on the picket line secured a vastly improved pay offer. Unite is totally committed to improving our members’ jobs, pay and conditions and the victory at TMD shows it is a commitment that is winning for workers.”

The deal stipulates that if inflation hits five per cent in June 2024, then a review of pay would be triggered in January 2025. If any other TMD employee at the Hartlepool site outside of the Unite bargaining unit receives a higher rise during the length of the deal, then it’s said Unite members will be paid the difference.

Unite regional officer Mike Routledge said: “Well done to our reps and members at TMD Friction for standing together and winning this pay deal. This is yet another reminder of why those wanting better wages and working lives should join Unite and organise their colleagues to do the same.”