Workers at BSW Timber‘s Senghenydd Sawmill, Caerphilly have been involved in a series of one- and two-day strikes over pay.
They claim they have not had a rise in two years, but BSW Timber said a wage negotiation presented to the GMB Union in February was a fair an complete offer.
A spokesperson said: “BSW’s overall approach to wage and salary negotiation throughout the company is based on a number of important criteria. These are: staff retention, recruitment, local market conditions, fairness, affordability and the business and economic dynamics.
“We feel that our current offer reflects all these conditions. It includes a lump sum and a substantial increase in sick pay provision.”
BSW Timber said the offer had been improved since the wage negotiation was initiated last year. The spokesperson added: “Across Wales and beyond, BSW plays a signficant role in the development of local economies – especially in Senghenydd where we are one of the largest private sector employers – and takes the welfare of its local staff and their working conditions very seriously.
“By investing in people, new technology and upgrading the facilities, the company is doing all it can to ensure the future viability of the site.”
Senghenydd has seen investment in technology and infrastructure totalling around £627,000 during the past five years, with further significant investment in the fork truck and log handling fleet. BSW Timber plans to invest a further £15m in its Newbridge-on-Wye sawmill in Powys.
