Len McCluskey, general secretary of Unite, the UK's largest union, signed a new landmark agreement on behalf of the union's members at Nissan's car plant in Sunderland this week.
Signed during a visit to see the new Leaf model roll off the Sunderland plant's production line, the industrial relations agreement strengthens the union's voice at the factory by enhancing consultation with Unite and cementing positive industrial relations for the future.
Since the initial industrial agreement was signed in 1986, there has been a steady increase in the workforce. There were initially 500 workers employed at the site and this has now increased to 7,000. The plant produces 500,000 cars a year.
Negotiations on a new industrial relations agreement have been ongoing for the last 12 months and have now been completed to the satisfaction of both sides.
McCluskey said: "This new industrial agreement is a landmark moment that significantly strengthens the union's industrial voice within Nissan to the benefit of our members.
"Since the initial industrial agreement was signed in 1986, the Sunderland plant has expanded to become a truly world class facility. Unite members at Sunderland are among the most efficient in the Nissan family making world beating cars which are exported across the globe.
"The new agreement enhances consultation with Unite and the workforce ensuring that all concerned can continue to enjoy positive industrial relations, as the site continues to both grow and flourish."
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