The country could be facing a shortage of pickles and vinegar according to union bosses after workers went on strike over pay. More than 50 workers at Mizkan Euro headquarters in Middleton have taken industrial action over the latest pay offer by the company responsible for producing well known brands such as Branston Pickle and much more.
Mizkan Euro say they believed they have offered staff a 'reasonable pay offer' in light of the rising cost of raw materials, transport and energy.
But, staff are striking after rejecting what has been described as a 'real terms pay cut' after the company failed to provide a pay increase that was in line with inflation.
According to Unite the Union, staff members have been offered a five percent pay increase which they say is under the real inflation rate (RPI), currently standing at 12.3 per cent. Speaking to the MEN about the strike action, regional officer for Unite the Union Adrenna Clarke said: “We expect that our members are able to maintain a decent cost of living rise to be able to put food on their table and pay their bills.
"We’re all feeling the pinch with the economical situation, they’re scared, they’re frightened they’re worried and they want to be able to achieve something that’s more realistic in the current climate.”
The union say that workers recorded an 81pc vote in favour of strike action, having rejected a pay increase of five per cent. Unite says this would be a substantial real terms pay cut, with the real inflation rate (RPI) currently standing at 12.3pc.
According to the union, Mizkan Euro recorded a gross profit of £24 million on a turnover of £98 million and with workers being paid an estimate £11.50 an hour, they believe that Mizkan can ‘afford’ to give staff more money. Paul Tirebuck, HR Director, Mizkan Euro: "We can confirm that our union members at Mizkan Euro Middleton have voted for strike action on 18 & 19 October.
"With rising costs of raw materials, transport and energy we have, in the circumstances, made what we believe to be a reasonable pay offer. We are committed to constructively resolving this situation. We do not anticipate any disruption to supply to retailers or our consumers.”
Further strikes are set to take place next week on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 October.
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