Union threatens strike ballot at Jacobs Crackers plant

22-Aug-2013 - Last updated on 23-Aug-2013 at 13:35 GMT

United Biscuits' Aintree factory makes Jacob's Cream Crackers

Union reps and management at a Jacobs Cream Crackers factory in Aintree, near Liverpool, have agreed to meet to discuss grievances next week.

Moves by plant owner United Biscuits to change longstanding agreements sparked the unrest, according to the GMB union, representatives of which will be present at the meeting.

“GMB is hoping to resolve all the issues that are worrying GMB members at Jacobs Crackers at a meeting with the company on Wednesday August 28,” said GMB local organiser Sue Morgan.

“The company’s desire to amend long-standing agreements to the detriment of GMB members is not acceptable and will be resisted.

‘Industrial action ballot’

“If we are unsuccessful in sorting things out at the meeting on 28^th then I will be seeking permission from the GMB executive council to hold an industrial action ballot of members at the site.”

According to press reports published earlier this week, staff operating forklift trucks at the Aintree site had been given set schedules for toilet breaks. And workers were also informed that the company may want to contact them while they were sick.

United Biscuits has so far declined to comment.