Strike Action at Cranswick Foods, Preston
| September 3, 2012 | Filled under Business, Preston |
MORE STRIKES may take place at Cranswick Country Foods this week over new terms of employment which workers say may mean a pay cut of more than 20%.
According to the GMB trade union further strikes could take place on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th September 2012 unless there are talks to resolve the dispute over the imposition of new terms and conditions on Butchers at the food processing plant.
The Union claims the new terms and conditions will mean a pay cut of more than 20%, and this comes on top of an eight year pay freeze during which inflation increased by 42%.
Cranswick gave notice to members to terminate their contracts of employment and re-engage them on far inferior terms which is not acceptable says the GMB and it has led to strike action already taking place at the Cranswick site in Preston last Wednesday (29th August). 80 GMB members took action and a picket was staged at the factory entrance.
Dave Oglesby, GMB Regional Officer, said “GMB is seeking meaningful talks with the company to resolve this dispute. These GMB members now face a wage cut of more than 20% even though they have not had a pay rise for eight years, a period during which the RPI increased by 42%.
These levels of cuts in living standards are simply not tolerable nor economically justified. GMB members are totally dissatisfied with the way they were being treated by the company.”
A spokesman for Cranswick was quoted in other media: “The terms and conditions offered are extremely favourable and would be some of the highest that would be seen within the country. The company had been in discussions with staff since May and the majority had now signed up to the new terms and conditions.”
The Preston food plant is one of several owned by Cranswick Country Foods. The company has contracts with well-known brands such as Simply Sausages, Weight Watchers, Jamie Oliver and Reggae Reggae.
(Ongoing issue)
Are you involved in this dispute and want to give your views (we can protect your identity if necessary)? Do you have an opinion to share? Leave a comment or e-mail hu12@gmx.com
Latest Comments