WORKERS at a Wrexham plant which supplies the health care sector are set to strike over what a union describes as a "measly" pay increase.

More than 150 workers at Ceramtec, in Ruabon, are to strike for four days from May 28. 

Unite’s members have been offered what Unite the union desribes as a "measly" 79 pence increase to their basic hourly rate. The union said: "Considering the National Living Wage has increased by £1.02, workers at the factory expect to match or improve on that increase."

Ceramtec produces high-tech ceramics for use in healthcare, safety components within the automotive and manufacturing industry. This includes items such as replacement hips and safety transducers but also advanced ceramic components for medical applications. 

A typical grade C, day worker, who is responsible for manufacturing ceramic medical equipment such as sensors and transducers currently earns £11.44 per hour. 

Strikes are due to take place for four days from May 28 – 31. Unite said disrupted production of Ceramtec’s products could lead to "significant consequences" for its customers given the use of ‘just in time’ supply chains. 

Ceramtec said it is "disappointed" in the decision to strike, but respects its workers' wishes. The company said it "remains open to further discussions". 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:  “Ceramtec is treating its workers with contempt by offering such a measly pay rise when its latest accounts show millions in profits.

"They need to realise that our members won’t stand for such penny pinching in a cost of living crisis, Unite has their backs every step of the way.” 

Ceramtec UK had profits of nearly £10 million in their last accounts while its parent company (Ceramtec Worldwide) had revenue of over £800 million in 2022. 

Unite regional officer Jono Davies said:  “The strike action will inevitably lead to delays and disruption in the production and supply of vital components but this dispute is entirely of Ceramtec's own making.

"It has had every opportunity to make workers a fair pay offer but has failed to do so. 

“Ceramtec need to get its house in order and come back with a significantly improved offer.”

Ceramtec's UK operations director, Paul Jones, said: “We have a strong interest in being an employer of choice in the local area, offering fair conditions to all our team members.

"Our regional pay plan needs to reflect a level of parity that allows for an undisturbed business climate, while at the same time enabling the Company to remain competitive in a global environment.”