Workers Demand Fair Pay Increase
Hundreds of sandwich makers at Greencore have voted to strike in a demand for a pay increase. Currently earning £10.53-an-hour, more than 500 workers will down butter knives from September 11 to October 9.
Greencore: Major Supplier to Supermarkets and High Street Chains
Greencore, which operates 16 factories in the UK, produces over 975 million sandwiches and other food-to-go products annually. Their products are supplied to major supermarkets and high street chains such as Boots and Starbucks.
Meal Deals: A Popular Choice for Shoppers
The demand for meal deals is on the rise, with 52% of the sandwiches in supermarkets being sold as part of a meal deal.
Unite Union Claims Workers Are Paid Poverty Wages
The Unite union states that the workers at Greencore's Manton Wood site in Worksop, Notts, are striking due to low wages. General secretary Sharon Graham accused the company of not sharing its profits with the workers.
Greencore Revenue Increase Sparks Disappointment
Greencore reported a full-year revenue of £1.7 billion in October, up from £1.3 billion in 2021. The company claims that the rising popularity of meal deals contributed to this revenue growth. Despite being in talks with union representatives since January, Greencore's pay offer was rejected.
Chance for Resolution with Improved Pay Offer
Unite's Andy Shaw suggests that the strike can still be avoided if Greencore returns to the negotiating table with an improved pay offer.
