WORKERS at the Refresco-Gerber factory in Bridgwater have returned to work after eight weeks of strike action ended.

Unite the Union members confirmed that they have reached an agreement with the soft drinks manufacturer which saw the end of a series of 36-hour strikes.

Refresco_gerber workers had been due to hold a march through the centre of Bridgwater at the weekend which has also now been cancelled.

One hundred at thirty workers have downed tools since January in protest against contract changes following a merger with Refresco last year.

However last week Roy Winter, Unite the Union regional officer, confirmed that the two parties had now reached an agreement.

Speaking to the Mercury he said: “The action was called off on March 23, after Unite the Union and the management of Refresco-Gerber reached an agreement on all of the terms and conditions that had been the cause of the industrial action.

“The last eight weeks has been a stressful time for all Unite members who have participated in this action and I wish to thank the members for their commitment – without it this agreement would not have been achieved.”

The Mercury understands that following negotiations with the union bosses at the soft drink manufacturer agreed to scrap a contentious shift pattern and a reduction in sick pay as well as the continuation of six month shift pay protection.

Dave Chapple, Bridgwater Trade Union Council (TUC) secretary said: “This was a major industrial dispute and I’m very glad that it has been resolved.

“I’ve proud that Bridgwater TUC has been able to offer support and solidarity and I hope that Gerber with its new multi-national management understand that they have to work with the union rather than against it.” A spokesperson for Refresco Gerber said: “We can confirm that Refresco Gerber UK and the Unite Union reached a point of resolution in regards to the recent industrial action, at the Bridgwater manufacturing facility.

“Working with the Unite Union we reached an agreeable compromise position and the industrial action at the facility ceased with immediate effect.

“The rationale for agreeing to the compromise is an overriding need to act in the greater good of the organisation; all employees, customers and the long term success of the facility.

“Our responsibility to employees, customers and the community in which we sit, is to protect this facility’s long term viability and competitive position. “We want to ensure a strong significant manufacturing presence here in Bridgwater, by being a successful, progressive and performance led organisation bringing jobs and prosperity to the town.”

The juice maker has been based in Bridgwater since the 1820s, and produces supermarket own brand products for the likes of Waitrose, Asda and Tesco.