Flahavan’s staff secure up to 21.5% wage rise after months of dispute

Industrial unrest at Flahavan’s, a major Irish porridge producer, concluded with a substantial wage settlement brokered by Unite. The union, representing about 90 of the company's 150 staff in Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford, announced that bakery packers will receive a 13% parity increase and bakery processors a 21.5% increase, both taking effect on 1 January 2026, together with a 3.5% raise backdated to 1 January of one outlet year.

The agreement, set to run until 30 June 2027, also brings bakery wages in line with those of mill workers. Flahavan’s parent, Finegrove Holdings Limited, reported €38 million in turnover but a sharp drop in operating profit. Union regional officer Eoin Drummey and General Secretary Sharon Graham described the outcome as both a wage and equality win, crediting collective organization for the result.