Heinz workers in Wigan ready to strike again
A further strike by Heinz workers at a Wigan factory is inevitable after special talks aimed at resolving an ongoing row over new pay deals broke down, according to union leaders.
Unite members working at the large site in Wigan are set to strike for at least 24 hours from tonight until to the evening of the 30th of December. As well as this, further days in the way of industrial action should take place in the new year, say industry insiders.
In a statement, Heinz said it had strived hard to improve what it already believed was a fair offer to its staff and is incredibly disappointed with the latest outcome of the talks given the fact that previous key points raised by employees were addressed with new pay rates still way above its competitors were detailed. While many might think otherwise however, a spokesman stressed that supplies of Heinz’s products will not be affected.
Jennie Formby, who is the national officer of Unite’s food sector told how Heinz must listen to its workers if it wants to avoid a messy escalation to the dispute, highlighting that its members refuse to be palmed off with second-rate deals that in realistic terms represents cuts in standard of living despite Heinz making excellent profits and dominating the market.
In order to avoid further strikes, Formby suggested that immediate sit-down talks are conducted between workers and their superiors so that a settlement can be negotiated.