GMB warned that production at a Burton's Biscuits factory in Edinburgh could possibly be halted this month due to a strike by workers over pay.
The GMB union warned of a possible strike at a Burton's Biscuits Edinburgh facility because the company was making a "derisory" pay offer that had "insulted" workers. The union said the workers are planning to stage three 24-hour walkouts, with the first one to be held on Wednesday.
Burton's Biscuits is known for its Wagon Wheels and Jammie Dodger biscuits, as well as Maryland cookies. The Edinburgh factory employs over 400 workers and manufactures approximately 7.5 million biscuits daily.
Insufficient pay raise
A Burton's Biscuits spokesman said it was "shocked" after GMB requested a 7% pay increase but emphasized that the firm is open to resume talks.
GMB members at the plant voted by a majority of 91% for industrial action after management refused to raise its offer of a 1.6% annual pay increase.
GMB Scotland organizer Benny Rankin said: "Burton's stubborn stance on this year's pay offer is an insult to staff that have worked throughout the lockdown at management's insistence."
"Their refusal to meaningfully engage with a workforce that deserve so much better means we have been left with little choice but to strike for a decent pay offer," Rankin added.
According to the union, indefinite work to rule and an overtime ban will start tomorrow from 2 p.m. while strikes will be held on September, 9, 16 and 23.
Burton's Biscuits' response
The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan investment company-owned biscuit maker said the union was being unreasonable with its demand.
The company spokesman explained: "Against the backdrop of growing economic uncertainty, the country entering a depression and rising levels of unemployment, we have made what we consider to be a series of very fair and reasonable offers, enabling us to provide job security alongside increased earnings."
"Alongside the challenging environment, this action may only serve to jeopardize our employees' ongoing job security," he added.
However, the spokesman assured that the company wanted to find a "mutually acceptable solution" and was willing to resume talks with the union.
He said: "We also hope that we can return to full production as soon as possible and move forward in a spirit of unity and co-operation in a safe, enjoyable and productive working environment."
The wage conflict between the union and Burton's Biscuits comes amid calls by leading business groups in the UK to extend the current furlough scheme to avoid a second wave of job cuts and a slower economic recovery.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme allows employees placed on leave to receive up to 80% of their pay, up to a maximum of £2,500 a month. Initially paid by the government, firms are now contributing part of the wages for those under the scheme.
Manufacturing body Make UK argued that the furlough scheme should be extended beyond October for sectors that have been hit hard by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and are already experiencing workforce reductions.
Make UK chief executive Stephen Phipson said: “The protection of key skills should be a strategic national priority as this will be the first building block in getting the economy up and running.”
Meanwhile, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said a replacement was needed to avoid a “cliff edge”.
Head of the CBI Dame Carolyn Fairbairn explained that while the furlough scheme had been expensive, it was “an absolute lifesaver” and more help was needed.
