Legal action by Tata Consumer Products against striking workers raises concerns over alleged trespassing.
- The workers entered Tetley’s Teesside site, reportedly violating picketing rules and intimidating managers.
- GMB Union warns of potential tea shortages due to the ongoing strikes and planned further actions.
- Tata insists strike actions should remain peaceful, with clear guidelines for conduct communicated to employees.
- Court hearing set as Tata implements measures to minimise supply disruptions amid the ongoing dispute.
Tata Consumer Products has initiated legal proceedings against striking workers at Tetley’s Teesside production site in County Durham, citing trespass as the primary grievance. The company claims that the workers engaged in activities that breached established picketing regulations and involved intimidating behaviour towards management personnel.
The production facility at Teesside is a key site for Tetley, as it produces 30% of the tea consumed in the United Kingdom. Nearly 150 members of the GMB Union commenced strike action last month in response to sustained real-term pay cuts. This industrial action has prompted warnings from the GMB Union about potential shortages of tea in the market, with further strikes scheduled for later in the week.
Tata Consumer Products has outlined its position, emphasising the necessity for any strike action to remain within the bounds of peaceful conduct as outlined in prior agreements. A spokesperson for the company has highlighted that these rules were explicitly communicated to those involved. Any deviation is being treated as trespassing, hence the legal action being pursued.
GMB organiser Paul Clark has publicly critiqued Tetley’s management, accusing them of utilising intimidation tactics against the workforce instead of addressing the substantive issues surrounding pay. He asserts that resources are being diverted to “trumped-up” legal claims rather than resolving the ongoing wage dispute.
Despite attempts at negotiation, Tata has maintained its stance, offering two pay packages while concurrently establishing contingency plans aimed at reducing any potential disruptions to the supply chain. The company reiterated its dedication to its UK operations but stressed the importance of competitiveness for future growth of the facility.
The court will soon address the legal issues arising from this tense industrial dispute, as both parties maintain firm stances.
