Although put to only a small group of nearly 80 people, the response showed widespread agreement with the deal, Unite the Union's regional representative Bob Lanning said.
The rise promises the 2.5% RPI of the final quarter of last year, and another rise to match the inflation index of the same quarter this year – whatever that may be. Getting that offer was no easy feat, Mr Lanning said.
'So far it has been very positive, though there will always be some who say no.
'But we view this as a very positive award. As ever, it was not "Oh, nice to see you, why don't you have an RPI rise". It was a 0% offer and it must have been the third or fourth meeting where this was offered. We also got better terms and conditions, which was a bonus.'
Under the deal, manual workers will now move to full holiday entitlement after five years, as opposed to the current 10.
