Food and drink brands including Brewdog, Pepsico, Princes and KP snacks are potentially facing a Christmas logistics nightmare as workers vote over strike action.
Almost 1,000 GMB members at DS Smith, which also makes corrugated packaging for Chivas, Diageo and Seabrooks crisps, are balloting for industrial action over areal terms pay cut.
The ballot closes 2 November, with any strike likely to take place later that month
Workers in five sites - Livingston, Louth, Featherstone, Clay Cross and Devizes - are taking part in the ballot.
DS Smith has refused to increase an offer of a 3% consolidated increase plus a non-consolidated payment of £760 for 2022-23.
With inflation at 12.3%, the deal amounts to a significant real terms pay cut,
Andy Prendergast, GMB national secretary, said: "DS Smith workers say the cost of living crush has made them £200 a month worse off, through no fault of their own.
“These are the same staff who worked through the pandemic, helping to keep the business afloat.
“Now workers need the company to recognise their efforts with a decent pay offer that helps confront soaring inflation and eye-watering energy bills in the months ahead, rather than hanging them out to dry.”
“DS Smith can afford to do better.”
A statement from the company read: “As with any matter of this kind, DS Smith does not comment publicly on the details of a confidential process.
“Discussions are ongoing and we will continue to work together with all those involved.“
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