The compensation deal, accepted in lieu of reinstatement, brings to end more than a year of dispute, which has prompted demonstrations at Murphy sites and industry events around the UK and Ireland.

Four Unite union members employed by Murphy International in Ireland were dismissed from the Aughinish Alumunia site in September 2022 after organising a meeting of 15 workers to discuss Murphy’s payment, or non-payment, of travel and subsistence payments.

Unite has now confirmed that the dispute has been settled following negotiations between Murphy International and the union.

While the terms of the settlement are confidential, Unite revealed that an offer of reinstatement was rejected by the four but they have received compensation.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Unite left no stone unturned to secure the vindication of our members in Ireland who were dismissed by the Murphy group of companies on what Unite believed to be spurious grounds.

“This outcome totally vindicates Unite’s approach of never backing down – but instead giving total and unwavering support to our Unite reps.

“Using Unite Leverage we took the fight to Murphy’s – at the heart of their operation at home and abroad.”

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