Burton’s strike action imminent as union rejects Blackpool pay offer
BFAWU regional organiser Geoff Atkinson told FoodManufacture.co.uk this morning that the union was still striving to resolve the dispute at the biscuit factory that produces brands such as Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels.
“Strikes are still scheduled, but I’m meeting with the company later today.”
Increased pay package
In a ballot result on June 20, 175 out of 202 workers at the Devonshire Road site balloted by the union voted in favour of industrial action, after rejecting a1.8% pay rise.
Strikes are scheduled for July 12, July 18, July 20 and July 26, and if they go ahead staff will also ‘work to rule’ (whereby they do no more than is required under their contractual terms of employment) and do not work overtime.
A Burton’s Foods spokesman said: “Burton’s Foods has been working with BFAWU representatives in an attempt to constructively agree a settlement package for its Blackpool members. Talks are still ongoing with the union and there is a meeting scheduled for later today.
“An increased pay package offer was proposed by Burton's Foods on Friday, July 8, which has unfortunately been rejected by union representatives."
Burton’s disappointed
He added: "We are disappointed that union members were not given the opportunity to ballot on the proposed package offer and that union representatives have instead chosen to commence with strike action."
Last week BFAWU president Ian Hodson criticised Burton’s for its original 1.8% offer, noting that staff had suffered a pay freeze last year and felt so strongly about the issue that 136 had already volunteered for potential picket-line duty.
Hodson said.“People have had enough. They’re fed-up with the way they’ve been treated. The company have taken, and taken and taken over the past few years. Blackpool isn’t a high paid area anyway, and this is forcing people down to near minimum wage levels.”
