McCain Foods would not be increasing its offer to production and maintenance workers from 11.2 per cent over three years, the company reiterated on Tuesday.

McCain Foods offered 11.2 per cent wage increase over three years, an increase from 10.5 per cent. Employees would receive 4 per cent in the first year, and then 3.5 per cent the next two years plus back pay from July 1, the beginning of the EBA.

McCain Foods Integrated Supply Chain Director, Mr. Graham Harvey said there is no more on offer and the Unions should stop disruptions to production, which will only harm the future prospects of the plant and the local economy. “We are very concerned for the 400 families that are facing days of lost wages in our community,” he said.

“We understand that the revised offer was not even put to a formal vote this morning which is extremely disappointing.”

“There is no more money left in the pot, and the sooner the Unions wake up to this the quicker we can get back to business and our employees back to work.”

If the AMWU Food division fails to agree to this offer, the company has stated it will put the offer to a vote by workers in a secret ballot conducted by the Electoral Commission in seven days.