The Unite members employed at the Encirc site in Avonmouth, Bristol, are striking between 19 June and 5 July, with workers in different parts of the business set to take action on different dates according to production schedules. A 12-week overtime ban is also included in the action.
In response to the news of strike action, Encirc said it was “incredibly disappointed”.
Members overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action after Encirc offered its workers a 3.2% pay rise without negotiating with recognised union Unite.
According to Unite, Encirc has also stated that future pay rises will be tied to inflation.
The union explained that this removes its collective bargaining rights, as any pay increases will be set by Encirc without negotiations before being imposed on workers. Previously, the union had been able to negotiate with management on pay.
Encirc asked for negotiations with conciliation service Acas, which Unite agreed to, but workers were then offered a worse deal than that which had already been rejected.
“Encirc’s meanness to its workers is all about greed and not need,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.
“This is a very lucrative company that can fully afford to pay its workers properly but it is choosing not to.
“Unite will not stand idly by and allow Encirc to steal our members hard won rights. Encirc workers deserve better and they have Unite’s full support throughout this dispute.”
Unite regional officer John Sweeney added that there is “no doubt” the strike will impact the availability of wine in the UK, given that Encirc supplies all major supermarkets.
“While shortages may be frustrating for customers looking to enjoy a bottle of wine this summer, the situation is entirely of Encirc’s own making,” Sweeney said.
“Management has constantly refused to engage meaningfully. Encirc needs to return to the negotiating table with a vastly improved offer.”
Part of the Vidrala Group, Encirc is based across five sites in the UK, employing almost 2,000 people and producing more than 3 billion glass containers each year.
“Encirc purchased the Bristol site just under two years ago and over that time we have worked hard to not only uplift pay and conditions, but to begin the process of integrating our businesses and creating a truly great place to work,” a spokesperson for the firm said.
“If this latest pay offer was accepted, we would have increased pay for our Bristol-based site by more than 16% in less than two years. There are few companies in our sector globally who have done the same for their people.
“Our final offer includes a cost-of-living increase and pension contribution improvements. As a company we are resolute in our efforts to remain competitive whilst doing the best for our people, and we firmly believe that our offer was fair and proportionate.
“As such, at a time when we are already facing so many challenges, and need certainty for our customer base, this really is unexpected.
“Nevertheless, we will mitigate any impact this action could have, and we remain open to dialogue with the union in good faith.”
