Sweet factory workers to strike over pay and work conditions

Union members at Tangerine’s York factory were “frustrated and angry”​ over planned pay rises, GMB claimed. The union said the company “begrudgingly”​ offered a 1% pay rise after agreeing to meet with its representatives. The offer was unanimously rejected by members.

GMB organiser Ben Kirkham said: “This is not about rejecting an outright 1% pay increase, this is about GMB members rebuilding their terms and conditions. We have witnessed a long list of attacks on paid breaks and hand washing time, pension contributions reduced, pension provider changed, training money and bonus payments pulled – the list really is endless.​

‘Scrooge employer’​

“GMB members feel that they have been backed into a corner and are faced with no other option than to strike. I really must stress this is a last resort for our members. As Christmas approaches, we’re saying ‘bah, humbug’ to this Scrooge employer.” ​

After the planned strikes, beginning next Tuesday (November 8), GMB said continuous industrial action short of a strike would follow throughout November if negotiations failed. Further action would be taken beyond November 30 if necessary, GMB stated.

‘Eroding workers’ terms and conditions in favour of profit’​

Tangerine – manufacturer of confectionery brands Refereshers, Butterkist, Fruit Salad, BlackJack and Flumps – were bought by a US private equity firm in 2011. The US firm, Blackstone Group, “returned this investment by eroding workers’ terms and conditions in favour of profit”​, claimed the union.

Kirkham said: “We’ve seen a US based private equity firm come to the UK and smash the Tangerine dream. What was once a pleasant place to work and a valued career choice for many is now nothing more than a sweet return for its capital partners. We’ve even seen the warehouse radio removed. Why?”​

FoodManufacture.co.uk has asked Tangerine for comment.