More than 750 workers at a Pladis-owned factory that makes Jacobs Cream Crackers have secured a pay rise and Christmas bonus after 11 weeks of industrial action.
Staff at the Aintree plant – which also makes Jaffa Cakes, Twiglets, Club bars and Mini Cheddars – will receive a 6.5% hike backdated to January, a £500 Christmas bonus and a further £250 bonus next month.
It comes after a campaign of industrial action that began in September in a dispute over pay. Workers had originally been offered a pay increase of 4.25%, which fell well short of their initial demand for a 10% pay rise.
Commenting on the improved offer, GMB Organiser Lisa Ryan said: “These workers have stuck together and secured a decent pay offer through their commitment. They needed something to help them. We’re glad the company have finally listened. Every penny earned here is down to these workers.
“All they wanted was their fair share.”
Reports in recent days suggested that the UK was facing a shortage of savoury biscuits in the run-up to Christmas, with stocks of branded and own-label cream crackers already running low.
A spokesperson for Pladis said it was “pleased” to have reached an agreement.
They added: “This is a positive step forward as we can continue delivering for our customers and baking the great British products that our consumers know and love.”
