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Spalding Bakkavor bosses say they have contingency plans in place should strike action on September 27 goes ahead




Factory bosses say contingency plans are in place with customers should a strike go-ahead.

Managers of the Spalding Bakkavor site say they are ‘disappointed’ that Unite the Union workers have voted to take industrial action - which it claims will start on September 27.

The union says members made the decision after angry due to the lack of progress in pay discussions and warned of shortages on supermarket shelves as a result.

Bakkavor in West Marsh Road, Spalding
Bakkavor in West Marsh Road, Spalding

However, the company claims that it has proposed an increase of 7.8% to its lowest paid colleagues and 6.4% across all other grades.

It also states that it has worked with customers to put contingency plans in place should the strike go ahead.

Sadie Woodhouse, General Manager at Bakkavor Spalding comments: “We are clearly disappointed that the Union has advocated strike action despite our efforts to positively negotiate with them and us putting a good deal on the table, well above inflation and national living wage.

“We respect the role that unions play generally in protecting workers’ rights. However, it makes no sense for a union to call for a strike against a business that is already looking after its people, creating employment in the local community, investing in training and putting forward above-inflation pay rises. We are committed in our backing of the new government’s ambition of creating economic growth through running a successful, sustainable business that contributes to the economy.”

The business’s proposed entry rates (inclusive of paid breaks) range from £12.43 to £13.02 depending on the shift pattern, with the top rates ranging from £14.17 to £14.85.

Bakkavor believes this offer is highly competitive, is well-ahead of inflation of 2.2% and the National Living Wage of £11.44.

The firm also claims that workers have access to a ‘broader package of benefits’ including life insurance, personal accident insurance, retailer discounts and ‘heavily subsidised food’ through Bakkavor’s staff shops.

A press release also states: “Bakkavor is hopeful that the proposed strike action starting on 27 September will be called off because it has already put a good pay offer forward, one that helps ensure that even the lowest paid colleagues get paid well above the National Living Wage.”



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