Workers demonstrate over Pilgrim Food Masters factory closure
Pilgrims Food Masters recently proposed to close the Collett Way site in Southall, which is one of the four sites within its Noon business, the ethnic ready meals supplier putting 220 jobs at risk of redundancy.
The company said the proposal was due to the external market conditions that “continue to be extremely challenging” across the entire industry, “with difficult headwinds and the inflationary environment.”
Closure
GMB, the union, believes that alternative action could prevent the site closure.
Gavin Davies, GMB London region senior officer said:“These job losses will have a massive impact on our members who have worked through the pandemic and ensured that the company continued to produce ready meals for the nation. Through their hard work and commitment, the company continued to produce and accrue profit.
“There may be a cost-of-living crisis and a downturn in demand but the shareholders will still get their dividend – and that’s what is wrong. GMB members are also feeling the hard impact of higher bills and food costs, it’s not a good time to be laid off, especially when it can be avoided.”
Right to protest
A spokesperson from Pilgrims Food Masters said: “We respect the right of our staff to protest and are providing support and guidance to ensure all colleagues are able to demonstrate safely. The wellbeing of our staff is our number one priority and we are committed to supporting all staff throughout this process. Our intention is to redeploy affected colleagues wherever possible and for business to be diverted across the three remaining sites which will remain open.”
The wider Pilgrim’s company employs around 60,000 people across the globe. The company produces a range of products including Richmond, Fridge Raiders, Mattesons and Wall’s.
