Spalding Unite the Union members form picket line outside Bakkavor factory

Factory workers are lining a street and waving flags as they fight a food manufacturing giant for a better pay deal.

Unite the Union is today starting its first day of continuous strike action outside Bakkavor’s factory in West Marsh Road in Spalding - with 700 workers expected to walk out.

Numerous cars and vehicles are beeping their horns as they pass the picket line which has been in place since 6am this morning and will be there until 6pm. Music is playing from a gazebo and the strikers are in good spirits - despite an earlier downpour.

The union says a last minute offer was put forward by the company yesterday but this was rejected by members.

Speaking on the picket line regional officer for Unite, Sam Hennessy said: “I think the reaction from our members has been positive. We have a good crowd here and started from 6am. Essentially the company are painting themselves into a corner. They say they are not willing to move away from the current offer which is not much different from the one in May which was rejected by 95% of my members.

“They felt the need to act as the company seem to want to test the mettle of its staff rather than come back to the negotiating table.”

The company has previously stated that it has a contingency plan in place in order to ensure it can continue to produce orders for customers like Marks and Spencer, Tesco and Waitrose.

But Mr Hennessy has stressed that these orders are produced by people with skills.

He said: “In order to undermine the strike they have tried to bring in workers.

“These are skilled roles it not just a case of being able to walk onto the factory line and give it a go.

“We anticipate that production will be affected but they would rather invest in a contingency plan and additional security rather than get around the negotiating table.”

A number of vehicles are showing their support to the strikers as they pass by beeping their horns - which are met with waves from the workers.

Mr Hennessy remarked on the good spirits among members but highlighted that there is a serious side for this.

He said: “There is a strong sense of solidarity among the members. They are sick to the back teeth with the way the company is behaving and are resolved to defend their terms and conditions and fight for better pay.

“Bakkavor is one of the biggest employers in the area and families are being affected. It is so important that these workers fight for what is right.”

But he sent this message to the company - “Get around the table with a better offer.”

We have approached Bakkavor for comment.