The UK could be without chocolates this Christmas after staff at a major chocolate factory voted to strike.
Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of cocoa products to the confectionary industry.
But, the GMB union said more than a dozen workers at the confectionary giant’s site in Worksop voted in favour of strike action after rejecting a real-terms pay cut. Dates will be announced over the coming days.
“The spectre of Christmas without this beloved yuletide treat would be devastating,” said Cameron Mitchell, a regional organiser at the GMB union.
“That’s exactly what’s on the cards if company bosses don’t act urgently to avoid strike action.
“Workers aren’t demanding gold-wrapped pay-outs, instead they’re asking for a pay packet that covers the bills. We urge company top brass to urgently back around the table with a fair offer for our members.”
Cargill acquired its Worksop site in 2003, which is “equipped with high precision chocolate manufacturing machines”.
“At Worksop, we produce (in bulk liquid form) a full range of milk and plain chocolate, while our factories in Belgium and France increase our portfolio by offering a complete range of milk, plain and white chocolate in ‘easymelt’ form,” says the firm’s website.
“These products are developed for various applications in the confectionery, biscuit, bakery and dairy industries, ranging from ‘stand-alone’ recipes for chocolate bars to finely designed recipes which complement the texture and taste profile of biscuits and cakes.”
A spokesperson for Cargill told the MailOnline: “Cargill has made a fair and market competitive offer to its employees of a 5.5 per cent increase, plus the £1,400 one-off payment.
“We greatly value our employees and the work they do and are disappointed we have not yet come to a collaborative agreement with the union.”
Cargill’s bosses are being urged to conclude a deal with the strikers so the popular festive treats don't take a hit.
Correction: this article previously mentioned a reference to Ferrero Rocher sourcing its cocoa from the Cargill factory. This reference has now been removed.
