Warburtons averts nationwide strikes

13-Sep-2012 - Last updated on 14-Sep-2012 at 06:42 GMT

Warburtons' "no strings pay deal" seems to have averted the threat of nationwide strikes

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Strike action seems to have been averted at baker Warburtons’ sites nationwide, after the company come up with a “no strings attached” pay offer for staff.

A representative from the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) told FoodManufacture.co.uk that the company was now offering an improved 2.4% pay increase this year and a further 2.4% next year, with no changes to terms and conditions.

Warburtons had initially made a 2% pay increase offer to employees, which was rejected by 95% of BFAWU members nationwide.

Pay offer

The company then said it would consider improving the pay offer, but only if employees would accept seven changes to terms and conditions.

This was also rejected by members, who voted in favour of moving towards strike action in a ballot, before the company requested further talks.

The union has now advised its members at Warburtons’ sites nationwide of the revised offer, which it is recommending. It will ballot members’ responses in a two-week ballot starting next week.

Warburtons has eleven bakeries and 13 depots in the UK.

Meanwhile, Warburtons has revealed plans to close its Blackpool bakery. To read more, click here.