Snack provider workers end 11-week strike

Staff at the Aintree plant, where the business makes Jacob's Cream Crackers and Twiglets, had been undertaking industrial action for weeks over the pay dispute.

The deal secured every worker a 6.5% rise, backdated to January as well as a £500 bonus payment and a £250 bonus for January 2023.

The Morning Advertiser ​also understands the agreement is 9% over two years with the 6.5% for year one and 3% in year two.

Decent offer

GMB union organiser Lisa Ryan said: “These workers have stuck together and secured a decent pay offer through their commitment.

“They needed something to help them during the cost-of-living crisis. We’re glad the company has finally listened to its hard-pressed staff.

“Every penny earned here is down to these workers. All they wanted was their fair share.”

Staff at the Merseyside base have been taking limited industrial action for 11 weeks since September over the pay dispute.

A spokesperson for pladis UK&I, which owns the brands, said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the GMB and its members for our Aintree bakery.

“This is a positive step forward as we can continue delivering for our customers and baking the great British products our consumers know and love.”

Strike action

Meanwhile, last month (November), staff working at the brewery arm of Greene King announced they would be conducting strike action​.

Taking place this week (from Monday 5 December for five days), the action was voted in favour by workers after a 3% pay rise offer and a further payment of £650 from the business.

According to the union, with the real inflation rate at 14.2%, the offer amounted to a ‘very substantial’ real terms wage cut.

Greene King issued assurances the company was doing all it could to minimise the impact on supply.