Bakkavor Pizza, a key supplier to supermarket chains including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose, faces disruption to its operation after months of negotiations on pay ended with the rejection of a 5.9% increase offer.
Last week, members of the GMB union working for Bakkavor Pizza in Harrow took part in an indicative strike ballot, with 78% of members rejecting the pay offer. GMB stated today that it will now take formal steps for a strike ballot that could mean pizza supplies to supermarkets will be disrupted.
Trevlyn McLeod, GMB London Region Organiser, said: “The Bakkavor Group reported an operating profit of £46.3m in its half-year report published on 6th September, so GMB can see no reason why Bakkavor will not offer our members a decent pay increase. It’s not a good look for a large wealthy organisation to have some workers forced to turn to food banks because their rate of pay doesn’t cover their basic living cost.
“This decision for a GMB mandate for industrial action has not been taken lightly or without consideration by our members, they are determined to give Bakkavor the message that they want a better deal. Workers here believe they are worth more, they want their voices heard and that is why our membership numbers are increasing daily.
“Now that GMB has secured a strong mandate for Industrial action, it is hoped that Bakkavour Pizza at Harrow will finally recognise the value of their staff and how they have been impacted by the cost of living crisis and put forward an improved pay offer.”
Amid soaring inflation, the food manufacturing sector has faced numerous pay disputes over the last year.
It was announced today that strikes are being called off at Britain’s largest sandwich maker, which supplies stores including Tesco and M&S.
Hundreds of workers at Greencore were due to walk out over pay this week, potentially leading to shortages of food-to-go products. However, a last minute offer from Greencore last night encouraged the Unite Union to suspend the industrial action.
Unite regional officer Andy Shaw said: “Greencore has finally come back to the negotiating table after the threat of strike action by our members. As a goodwill gesture, we have called off industrial action while we put this new offer to our members.”
