BRITS could face a sausage shortage as workers at a major supplier reveal an all-out-strike as part of a row over pay.
The strike action will kick off tomorrow, with the union warning it “will impact supply of some leading UK brands”.
Disputes over pay between staff and bosses at Pilgrims, at its Enniskillen production facility in Northen Ireland have escalated.
The brand produces Fridge Raiders, Richmond Sausages and Mr Brains Pork Faggots.
It follows three weeks of strikes as the union says it fights to put an end to the current regime “where morning shift workers are the only shift workers not getting fully paid breaks.”
Morning-shift employees are paid for just 15 minutes of their breaks, compared with 30 minutes for evening and night workers, Unite said.
Read more on money
TIN WIN
Aldi is launching new £1.49 cocktail cans inspired by iconic noughties fl
CAR COMP
Millions set for £829 car finance payouts face being ‘short-changed’, court told
They are also demanding an improvement to pay.
The lowest paid workers receive an hourly rate of £12.82 – only eleven pence above the minimum wage.
“Pilgrims is a hugely profitable company making massive profits while its workers earn just pennies above the bare legal minimum. It can easily make its workers a fair offer but is choosing not to,” Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“Our members are determined to win an improved deal – they have the total support of Unite for as long as it takes to achieve that.”
Most read in Money
CLEAR VIEW
Victory for mum as 6ft concrete wall that blocks her sea view to be demolished
QUIDS IN
Best bank switching offers that pay you up to £240 in CASH
SWITCH UP
Major high street bank launches £240 free cash for switchers – how to get it
PROFITS LICKED
Brit ice cream makers handed boost as Canada doubles tariff-free exports
Pilgrim’s Europe said it had already made a number of above-inflation pay offers, which would be backdated as part of the proposals, but these had been rejected by Unite.
The company said it had also put forward proposals aimed at addressing concerns over paid breaks for day-shift workers.
A Pilgrim’s Europe spokesperson told The Sun: “The company has already made a number of above-inflation pay offers, backdated as part of the proposals, which have been rejected by Unite. In addition, we have put forward proposals aimed at addressing concerns relating to paid breaks for day-shift employees.
“We continue to be available for further constructive dialogue with Unite and are focused on reaching an agreement that is fair, sustainable and in the best interests of our employees and the long-term operation of the site.
“We are grateful to our wider employees for their support in maintaining operations.”