UK meal deals face disruption as sandwich supplier workers plan to strike.
- Greencore employees protest over inadequate wage of £10.53 per hour.
- The upcoming strike is expected to last nearly a month, from 11 September to 9 October.
- Unite union warns of potential sandwich shortages across UK supermarkets.
- Greencore made significant profits last year, intensifying workers’ demands.
The potential for disruption to meal deals across major UK supermarkets such as Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Co-op, and Boots arises as Greencore workers, numbering over 500, have resolved to strike. This strike action follows their dissatisfaction with ‘poverty levels of pay’. The workers, involved in supplying sandwiches to significant grocery retailers, are demanding an increase from their current hourly wage of £10.53.
This impending strike, scheduled from 11 September through 9 October, poses a significant threat to the availability of sandwiches, a staple in numerous meal deals. The union, representing the workforce, has highlighted the potential for shortages nationwide, which would significantly impact consumer choice in leading supermarkets.
Statistics from Greencore show a substantial production volume, with 975 million sandwiches crafted last year. Additionally, over half of these sandwiches form part of meal deal offerings that typically include a drink and a snack, underscoring the potential scale of the disruption.
Unite, the union representing the workers, has articulated a strong stance, with General Secretary Sharon Graham criticising the company’s profit-making against its reluctance to fairly distribute earnings among its workers. Andy Shaw from Unite reiterated that there remains time to avoid the strike if Greencore returns to negotiations with an improved pay offer.
Despite Greencore’s reports of a revenue uptick to £1.7 billion in the previous year, the company’s final pay offer has been rejected, indicating ongoing dissatisfaction among the workforce. A spokesman for Greencore expressed their disappointment in the engagement results, yet stated their commitment to minimising service disruptions during the strike with strategic planning and mitigation measures.
The impending strike by Greencore workers highlights ongoing dissatisfaction with pay amidst substantial company profits, posing a significant threat to sandwich supplies in UK retailers.
