Strike action at Bakkavor postponed as workers balloted
More than 700 workers at the Bakkavor’s manufacturing factory were set to strike from 1 November to 9 November.
Those proposing to strike included production line operatives, who make own brand soups, sauces and deli produce for major supermarkets. The Unite union has said that more strikes would be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved.
The workers have already rejected a 6.5% pay offer and are demanding a rise that reflects rising living costs.
Postponed
The full details of a new offer have not been made public but Unite has confirmed the strike action has been postponed.
A Unite spokesperson said: "Strike action has been postponed while members are balloted on a new offer."
A spokesperson for Bakkavor said: "Following ongoing discussions with Unite, we can confirm that we have reached an agreement that strike action will be suspended until the Union has conducted a pay ballot with its members on whether to accept our 6.5% proposal. We believe this is a positive step forward, as we know that our Spalding colleagues would like to resolve the pay dispute as soon as possible."
Plans
When the strike action was originally announced Bakkavor said it had detailed contingency plans in place to ensure that disruption was kept to a minimum.
However, strike action across the food and drink manufacturing sector continues.
Unite has said that 50-plus workers, who are based at Mizkan Euro’s factory in Rochdale, will take fresh strike action for three days beginning on Wednesday 3 November and ending on Saturday 5 November over a pay offer. The workers took three days of strike action earlier this month (18-20 October).
Meanwhile, hundreds of workers who are part of GMB union at Bestfood, the logistics delivery company, are to begin voting on strike action. The ballot of the workers that deliver fresh food to a range of restaurant chains will run until 18 November, with the result coming later that day.
A Best Food Logistics spokesperson said: “Best Food Logistics provides colleagues with a competitive and comprehensive reward package, and we are committed to a constructive dialogue with our colleagues and GMB to reach a way forward. We will be working closely with our customers to ensure they can continue to get the products they need and remain actively engaged with GMB to reach a positive outcome for our colleagues and customers.”
While companies such as Quorn and Budweiser are facing further action.
