At ACAS talks over 2 days it looked until the last minute that the talks would fail and UNISON served further notice on the employer of further action. However at the last minute they suddenly agreed to the UNISON offer in the face of the threatened escalation. They have won rights to full sick pay, time and a half rates for overtime and evening work, additional holidays and incremental progression on a national grade.
They have also won payouts ranging from £3,600 for full time workers to the lowest payment of £1,200 for workers with less than a years service. This deal will serve notice on private contractors of the kind of deal that UNISON will be seeking for all its members in the private sector.
http://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/northdevongazette/news/story.aspx?brand=NDGOnline&category=news&tBrand=devon24&tCategory=newsndga&itemid=DEED15%20Jan%202010%2017%3A13%3A25%3A213
Solidarity was pouring into the Branch from all over the world. Unions representing Sodexo workers in the USA and France sent messages of support. The workers are going ahead with a Rally to be attended by Dave Prentis, General Secretary, to celebrate their success and send a message of thanks to those who have supported them in the local community and in the International Labour Movement.
See also http://unisonactive.blogspot.com/2010/01/striking-sodexo-workers-stand-firm-in.html