UK-based trade union Unite has announced that engineers and drivers at Dale Farm are to participate in an initial three days of strike action, starting from Wednesday 20 August 2025.

The union has said that the dispute is over pay and warned the action will affect multiple Dale Farm sites and milk collection off member farms.

A further three-day strike is scheduled for the following week, escalating to a five-day strike the week after.

ADVERTISEMENT

“In the absence of a resolution, all-out strike action will commence from the fourth week,” reads a Unite statement.

Paid less

According to Unite, drivers and engineers at the co-op are paid less than those working in comparable industries in Northern Ireland.

“Dale Farm engineers and drivers are determined to win a needed pay increase. Dale Farm is a highly successful enterprise and can afford to pay their skilled workforce properly,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.

“Management knows what is needed to avoid this outcome - they need to provide an increase, meeting our members’ legitimate pay expectations,” added Unite regional officer Simon Hall.

Profits

In July 2025, Dale Farm reported record profits for the fourth year in succession.

In the 12 months to the end of March 2025, the co-op saw operating profits at £37.7m, up from £37.5m in the previous year.

Assurance

Commenting on the threat of industrial action, a Dale Farm spokesperson said farmers can be assured that contingency plans are in place to ensure all milk is collected, as normal during any strike period.

Customers can also be assured there will be no disruption in supply of Dale Farm products.

“We value all our staff and take pride in our employee relations. We believe we have made a very fair offer to this small group of our workforce and we urge them, and Unite, to reconsider their decision.

“We remain open to discussions with our team and Unite, in the hope of reaching a resolution,” said the spokesperson.