Flahavan's workers win pay boost of up to 21.5% as unrest ends at porridge company

INDUSTRIAL UNREST AT one of the country’s biggest porridge makers has ended with a hefty jump in the pay packet of the workforce.

Flahavan’s workers will see their pay boosted by between 13% and 21.5%, following months of dispute with management.

Trade union Unite, which represents the overwhelming majority of workers at the plant in Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford, announced the pay deal on Sunday.

The development follows a ballot for industrial action last month after workers rejected management’s attempt to link the new pay agreement with the proposed flexibility arrangements.

There are almost 150 staff at the company and Unite represents around 90 of these.

Unite said the new deal brings bakery operatives into line with mill workers.

As a result, bakery packers will receive a 13% parity increase while bakery processors will receive a 21.5% parity increase, both effective from 1 January 2026.