Amid growing industrial action across several sectors, Heinz has avoided any potential disruption to its operations in the UK by agreeing to give 700 workers at its site in Wigan a pay increase worth 11%.
Unite the Union, which led the negotiations, said the deal included a 5.5% increase on base rates and two one-off payments totalling £1,200.
The first payment of £500 will be paid immediately, while the second £700 payment will be received in January 2023. Workers have also secured an additional three days off during the Christmas period.
Unite national officer Joe Clarke said: “Heinz is one of a number of food industry employers where Unite has recently negotiated creative pay deals to help offset the cost of living crisis for our members.”
In recent months, Unite has helped secure substantial pay increases for workers at confectionery manufacturers Cadbury and Barry Callebaut.
Several major retailers and manufacturers operating in the UK have recently faced potential industrial action over pay disputes linked to surging inflation.
Last week, it was announced that a strike action at a plant producing Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, and Boddingtons would continue after workers turned down the latest pay offer from the company.
