Jacob's workers have demanded better working conditions at the Aintree factory as a pay deal row rumbles on.
Staff at Jacob's Bakery in Aintree have been carrying out a series of 12-hour stoppages at the site in a fight for a fairer pay deal. But as this week marked the start of an "all out" strike action, workers say they will not stop until they get a pay deal that "reflects the current crisis".
Staff at the factory made the decision to take strike action against Pladis, who own Jacob's, after members "voted overwhelmingly in favour of both strike action and action short of a strike". The ECHO understands the GMB Union, who represent Jacob's workers, put forward an 8.5% pay rise proposal which was "refused".
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Health and Safety Officer for GMB Paul Holleran told the ECHO that the workforce needs a "decent pay rise and better working conditions through investment". He added that the Aintree site was the "worst factory he has ever inspected".
He said: "People are angry at the employer for not giving a decent pay increase but also because of the conditions that they are working in."
Mr Holleran told the ECHO that workers are working in "extreme conditions" with high levels of flour dust, excessive heat from large ovens and repetitive work for long periods. Despite "many complaints" from union members, he said nothing is being done to "address the real issues".
Mr Holleran added: "It's a lack of investment in the place, minor improvements. There's uneven floors. My view is that the pay deal should include improvement investments.
"People are angry. The size of the vote took many by surprise, but they are working in terrible conditions with heat or dust or noise, it's impacting health there's no doubt about it. They are exhausted and it's impacting on morale."
Eamon O'Hearn, GMB National Officer, said: "Jacob's workers feel let down and cheated. All they are fighting for a wage they can live on.
"A number of years ago, they accepted a significant wage cut to maintain the viability of the Aintree. This was linked and linked to potential site investment - it has never materialised."
A spokesperson for Pladis UK&I said heath and safety was of the "upmost importance" as they added: "We have made significant investments to maintain and improve high-quality working conditions across all pladis sites. At the Aintree factory, new extractor systems have been installed and existing systems have been modified to improve flour dust control.
"We have also improved our cooling systems and hydration solutions to ensure thermal comfort. Different systems of work in support to ergonomic health have been implemented and we are consistently looking at where we can make further developments.
"Our health and safety standards have been recognised by national and international standards committees."
This week, workers once again gathered outside the gates, with support from passing vehicles. GMB Union banners and flags were also displayed by union members along the road as drinks and snacks handed out to members, some of who had been there from 7am.
The Jacob's factory on Long Lane produces millions of cream crackers each year - with more than half a billion individual crackers sold each year. The site has been operating in Aintree for more than 100 years and it was the first Jacob's factory to be built in England.
GMB branch secretary Tim Collins previously said: "The company has broken the factory and damaged relationships but the strike has brought everyone together again. We as a union have worked around the clock, we have secured enhanced payments to our members, we understand."
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