Spalding factory has 'plans in place' as 700 workers prepare for five-week strike

Bakkavor says it is ‘disappointed’ that more than 700 workers at its Spalding factory have agreed to begin a five-week strike - but adds it has ‘plans in place’ to meet the demands from supermarkets.

Yesterday this paper broke the news that members of the United union will take industrial action from November 25 to January 2, after rejecting a proposed 6.5% pay rise.

However, Bakkavor has labelled Unite’s pay demands ‘simply unsustainable’.

The West Marsh Road factory produces goods for major retailers including Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and M&S over the busy Christmas period.

A statement from Bakkavor said: “Bakkavor can confirm that following a ballot of its members the Unite union has rejected the proposed 6.5% pay increase and will move to take strike action at Bakkavor's Spalding site.

“Around half of Bakkavor's colleagues at Spalding are members of the union.

“We have detailed contingency plans in place to ensure that we continue to serve our customers and that any disruption is kept to a minimum.”

“Across its UK sites, Bakkavor has been awarding pay increases for colleagues - a move to support its people despite the challenging economic context for the sector.

“Bakkavor believes its proposed 6.5% pay award for colleagues in Spalding is positive and sustainable and is part of a broader package of employee benefits.”

The statement continued: “Bakkavor’s proposed pay offer ensures we remain competitive in the local market at a time when current trading conditions are causing significant levels of inflation across its cost base.

“As with businesses all over the UK, we are having to take decisive action to adapt to the challenging macro-economic backdrop, as we seek to protect our business.

“This has recently included our proposal to close two sites; Bakkavor Salads in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, and Bakkavor Desserts in Leicester as announced on November 9.

“Bakkavor is very disappointed the Unite union is going ahead with strike action based on pay claims that are simply unsustainable in the current trading environment.”