Coca-Cola in emergency talks to avoid industrial action

The big trade unions - GMB, Amicus and the T&G - are meeting with Coca-Cola today in the hope of averting strike action over a pay dispute at its Milton Keynes factory that could escalate to other sites across the country.

Coca-Cola initially offered Milton Keynes workers a 2.5% pay increase, but this was rejected because GMB claimed it fell way below the cost of living.

“This pay claim has been outstanding for over a year and our members have had enough,” said GMB regional organiser Alan Costello. “Coca-Cola management has failed to progress the pay rise and the joint unions are now preparing the industrial action ballot that will affect sites across the country. It will probably affect almost 2000 people.” A ballot could take place over the next two to three weeks.

Over 200 people are employed at the Milton Keynes plant, which operates eight production lines and is the second largest Coca-Cola site in the UK.