Workers at a Browns Food Group meat factory in the UK have initiated strike action over pay in the food and beverage industry. Unite, the union representing the staff at the meat plant located in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, reported that approximately 180 members have voted in favor of industrial action. The rejection of the company’s pay offer is based on the fact that it falls short of the real living wage of £10.90 ($13.75) per hour.
In order to voice their concerns, the workers at the Kelloholm site will be engaging in three days of consecutive strike action each week, with the first round starting today and concluding on August 31. Furthermore, an overtime ban will be observed until September 18.
Unite industrial officer Paul Bennett emphasized the necessity of this strike action, stating, “Our members have no option but to take strike action because what’s currently on the table from Browns does nothing to help them make ends meet. The company is in a very healthy financial position due to the hard work of our members, so it’s scandalous that they are treating the workforce with such contempt. Strike action will take place over a number of weeks, and Browns should be under no illusion as to the determination of our members to secure a fair pay deal.”
Responding to the situation, Browns Food Group released a statement asserting that the union’s demand for a 33% increase on the base wage of £9.75 to £13.00 per hour is unrealistic. The company claims to have made multiple offers over the past six months, ultimately proposing a rate of £10.90 per hour, which reflects an 11.8% increase. Browns Food Group also highlights that this increase would translate to a minimum of £2093 per year for a 35-hour workweek.
Despite the company’s willingness to backdate the pay rise to April 1, 2023, the majority of the union members rejected the offer and proceeded with industrial action. Browns Food Group expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the resulting disruption would have consequences for the business, employees, and customer base.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, pointed out that Browns Food Group is financially capable of offering its workers a more substantial pay increase, given the company’s substantial financial resources. The family-controlled Browns Food Group acquired the 150,000 sq ft cooked meat factory in Kelloholm in 2014 and operates from seven manufacturing sites, supplying various meat and salmon products.
In February, Browns Food Group filed its accounts with Companies House, revealing a 4.3% increase in revenue to £167.6m in 2021 compared to the previous year. The company’s pre-tax profit also experienced a modest rise of 1.9%, reaching £10.9m. Furthermore, profit amounted to £9.1m, as opposed to £7.5m in the previous year. In 2022, Browns Food Group expanded its business by acquiring Scotland-based Quality Pork Processors, John Robertson & Sons Hamcurers, and Robertsons Fine Foods for a combined total of £5m.
