Unite says print strikes in Yorkshire will lead to food and drink packaging shortages.
The union will be escalating industrial action at Darlington-based Cepac with 2 weeks of all out strikes.
Previously the action had been spread out across several days in July, August and September, but now Unite said more than 90 workers will walk out for a fortnight – unless an improved pay offer is put forward.
“Cepac needs to table a fair pay offer and drop its attempt to cut terms and conditions,” stated Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham.
“This is a profitable company that can well afford to give these workers a reasonable pay rise. Unite is entirely focused on protecting and improving our members’ jobs, pay and conditions and Cepac’s workforce have the full backing of their union.”
Staff say they’ve been offered an 8% “strings attached” pay increase, dependent on an increased working week, changes to sick pay, shift patterns and reduced overtime rates.
However, Cepac’s Group Managing Director, Steve Moss has previously said that it has “always sought to negotiate with employees and representatives in a constructive and open manner. Our Darlington site continues to face challenging trading conditions and financial losses, which has all been shared with employees and their representatives.
“The need for additional flexibility, including a change in the working week for a proportion of employees, is to secure the future of the business. This is accompanied by a realistic pay award ranging from 8% to 17.5%, dependent upon roles. Unfortunately, Unite seem unprepared to enter constructive discussions, which is regrettable. Any form of industrial action can only damage our business further still and place future growth in a precarious position.”
The company provides packaging for HBCP, whose clients including Greggs, Costa, Subway and Pret, as well as C&D foods, which works with Aldi, Tesco, Morrisons and Asda.
The strike is scheduled to begin on 31st July, ending on 14th August.
