The ongoing industrial action at Bakkavor’s Spalding facility has raised concerns about potential shortages of popular Christmas party food items.
For nearly three months, workers at Bakkavor’s Spalding plant, a significant supplier of savoury dips, have been on strike. According to a report by The Guardian, nearly 800 of the 1,400 workers at the Lincolnshire site, represented by the Unite union, have voted to extend their industrial action for another three months. They demand higher wages beyond the 10p-per-hour premium over the £11.44 legal minimum wage for those over 21.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham highlighted the issue, stating, “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.” This statement brings attention to the wider economic debate about fair compensation practices and corporate responsibility.
To counteract the disruption, Bakkavor has moved the production of some products, such as taramasalata, to other sites. However, shelves in major retail chains are noticeably sparse. Tesco has reported reduced availability of items like cheddar cheese and chive dip, while Waitrose is experiencing shortages of its beetroot and feta salad and own-label taramasalata.
Despite these challenges, Bakkavor insists that many employees continue to work normally and that contingency plans are in place to minimise impact. The company asserted its ability to meet Christmas demand across its 21 UK sites, although evidence of shortages suggests otherwise.
Bakkavor’s latest proposal to resolve the situation includes a 7.8% pay increase for the lowest-paid workers and a 6.4% increase for others, plus a one-time £350 bonus. This offer reflects the company’s attempt to reach an agreement with the workforce and bring the disruption to an end.
As the holiday season approaches, ongoing strikes at Bakkavor highlight the complexities of wage negotiations and their impact on supply chains. The resolution of this labour dispute is crucial for ensuring that festive favourites remain available to consumers.
