Bakkavor, a major supplier of fresh food to the supermarket multiples, is the latest firm facing disruption from strike action.
The Unite union confirmed this week that more than 700 workers at Bakkavor’s food manufacturing factory in Spalding, Lincolnshire, will strike over what they describe as “poverty pay”.
The production line operatives, who make own brand soups, sauces and deli produce for the likes of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S, will strike from 1 November to 9 November. More action is planned if the dispute is not resolved.
The workers have rejected a 6.5% pay offer, with union leaders demanding a rise that reflects the rising cost of living.
Unite highlighted that Bakkavor’s adjusted operating profits for 2021 increased by 22% to £102m.
Its general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Bakkavor is a hugely profitable company but is happy to cut workers’ wages during one of the worst economic crises in living memory. Our members are rightly angry that their employer, who can pay and should pay, is refusing to give them a fair slice of the pie. We will be supporting our members 100 per cent as they strike for a fair pay rise.”
Unite regional officer Ravinder Assi added: “The company’s refusal to provide a reasonable offer despite its monster profits should be a wake-up call for Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S. Quite frankly, they should be ashamed that workers making products that bear their brands are being treated so disgracefully. Bakkavor must put forward an offer our members can accept, and the supermarkets should be pressuring the company into doing so.”
Bakkavor subsequently confirmed that contingency plans are in place to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum. A spokesperson for the company said: “Despite extensive pay negotiations and the involvement of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), we are very disappointed that we have been unable to resolve the dispute as we believe we have proposed a pay award which is both competitive in the local market and sustainable for the Spalding business.
“We have been committed to resolving this as soon as possible so that the pay increases can be implemented, particularly given the cost-of-living pressures that our colleagues face. We have detailed contingency plans in place to ensure that we continue to serve our customers and that any disruption is kept to a minimum.”
