Amid disputes at several food and drinks manufacturers across the UK, around 200 workers at the Barry Callebaut chocolate factory in Banbury, Oxfordshire, have been awarded a 10% pay increase.
The union Unite noted that the one-year deal pay deal for production operatives and technicians had been secured without the need for industrial action.
Belgium-Swiss Barry Callebaut’s Banbury factory produces chocolate and cocoa products for a number of high-profile companies, including Cadbury, Nestlé and Mars.
Unite regional officer Chris Moon said: “This pay deal represents a fair and equitable increase to keep our members’ earnings in line with the cost-of-living crisis pressures they are facing. It also recognises the company’s strong performance following Covid and the loyalty of its workforce throughout that difficult period.”
Several major retailers and manufacturers operating in the UK, including Asda, Sainsbury’s, Coca-Cola and the Budweiser Brewing Group, have recently faced potential strike action over pay disputes.
