Industrial action at the Bakkavor plant in Spalding has sparked growing concerns over the availability of Christmas party foods.
The ongoing strike at the Bakkavor facility, a significant supplier of savoury dips, has persisted for nearly three months. This has raised alarm over potential shortages of beloved seasonal items such as dips, soups, and sauces. Reports indicate that more than half of the workforce at the Lincolnshire site, approximately 800 out of 1,400 employees, have decided to extend their strike by an additional three months. They are advocating for a wage increase above the existing 10 pence per hour premium over the minimum wage of £11.44 for workers aged over 21.
Sharon Graham, Unite union’s general secretary, emphasised the capability of Bakkavor to offer a fair wage increase. She stated, ‘Bakkavor is an incredibly wealthy company with a chief executive on a two million-plus salary. It can fully afford to pay its workers a fair pay increase.’
Despite attempts to maintain production by shifting some outputs, such as taramasalata, to other factories, noticeable supply gaps have emerged in major retail stores. Tesco has reportedly struggled with maintaining stock levels of products like cheddar cheese, chive dip, and carbonara sauce. Similarly, Waitrose faces a shortage of its own-label taramasalata and beetroot and feta salad.
Bakkavor has countered these claims by stating that a significant number of staff members continue working as usual. The company has assured that it has implemented comprehensive contingency plans to manage disruptions, asserting its commitment to fulfilling Christmas demand across its 21 UK sites. Further, Bakkavor’s latest pay proposal comprises a 7.8% rise for its lowest-paid employees and a 6.4% increase for others, accompanied by a £350 one-off bonus.
The Bakkavor factory strike presents a challenging scenario for retailers preparing for the festive season. With workers pushing for fair compensation and the company striving to manage supply issues, the outcome of this industrial action remains pivotal for both parties.
