Workers at a KP Snacks factory in the UK have voted to initiate strike action due to a pay dispute.
According to trade union GMB, nearly 50 members at the Billingham plant support this industrial action after the company “imposed” additional duties without increasing their pay. Notably, there are approximately 700 employees at this facility in north-east England.
The factory manufactures popular snacks such as Hula-Hoops, McCoy’s, Pom-Bears, and Discos.
Paul Clark, a GMB union organizer, stated that workers “will not stand by while their workload increases without recognition.” He noted that the union has not yet served strike notice to the company and plans to meet with members to schedule the strike dates.
Moreover, the GMB reported that management has frozen all leave requests due to potential strike impacts. Consequently, the union is seeking legal advice on whether this action is “unlawful.”
Despite these challenges, the union remains “open” to discussions with KP Snacks, a subsidiary of Germany-based Intersnack.
A KP Snacks spokesperson expressed disappointment regarding the ballot outcome, emphasizing that it involves a small group of colleagues at Teesside. They affirmed their commitment to ongoing discussions with both employees and the GMB.
The spokesperson also noted that the company is focused on “constructive dialogue” and has implemented robust contingency plans to minimize disruption and ensure a continuity of supply.
Headquartered in Slough, England, KP Snacks operates seven manufacturing sites across the nation, offering a diverse portfolio that includes Skips, Tyrrells, and Butterkist.
