Workers at a KP Snacks facility in the UK are preparing for potential strike action due to an ongoing pay dispute, which has already led to disruptions in production, according to union officials.
On February 6th, trade union GMB announced that numerous members at the KP Snacks Billingham factory in Teesside voted in favor of a walkout after the company “imposed” additional responsibilities without an accompanying pay increase or “proper” consultation.
Paul Clark, an organizer at the GMB union, noted that as of February 9th, “action short of a strike” has commenced. Workers are implementing measures to decelerate production and an overtime ban has been enacted within the department.
The Billingham site produces well-known brands such as Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Pom-Bears, and Discos. In December, workers had previously voted for strike action; however, GMB clarified that no formal action has occurred since that vote.
Clark mentioned that although discussions had taken place with the business regarding a consultative offer, it was ultimately rejected. He also indicated that no specific strike dates have been established yet. GMB plans to convene with members to discuss possible strike dates, warning that any escalation might disrupt supply chains in the competitive food and beverage industry.
In response, a spokesperson for KP Snacks stated that the company has “robust contingency plans” to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure continuity for customers. The spokesperson emphasized the value placed on their Teesside team and highlighted a commitment to constructive dialogue to address ongoing concerns.
Additionally, it was reported that management has limited process workers to one break per shift. Clark further stressed the critical role these skilled and experienced workers play in maintaining KP Snacks’ production lines and ensuring that supermarket shelves remain stocked. He argued that the company’s unilateral expansion of their roles and increase in workload comes without any additional compensation.
KP Snacks, a subsidiary of Germany’s Intersnack and headquartered in Slough, operates seven manufacturing sites across the UK. Its product portfolio includes popular names like Skips, Tyrrells, and Butterkist.
As the food and drink business landscape evolves, it is vital for companies to prioritize fair labor practices. Failure to do so may affect their ability to adapt to food and drink consumer trends, ultimately impacting their bottom line.
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