More than 550 workers at the plant voted in favour of industrial action, which will take place from 12 September to 10 October. Unite said there are plans to escalate industrial action if the dispute in not resolved.
The union accused Oscar Mayer of engaging in ‘fire and rehire’ practices that would see its members’ take-home pay plummet if the agree to these new terms. Unite also claimed some workers – specifically those for who English is a second language – could be dismissed without redundancy pay or compensation if they refuse to sign the new contracts.
‘Fire and rehire’
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Oscar Mayer’s behaviour towards these already low paid workers is despicable. There is no justification whatsoever to slash their pay or for the threats of fire and rehire – an abhorrent practice that should be banned outright. Our members are absolutely right to strike and they have Unite’s unflinching support.”
Oscar Mayer first approached colleagues in May 2024 with proposals around changing some paid breaks to unpaid for weekly paid colleagues and the removal of enhanced rates on bank holidays and the provision of time off in lieu for all colleagues.
A spokesman for the manufacturer said: “These proposals are not made lightly, but we believe are necessary to protect the long-term sustainability of our business and the jobs we provide in the local community. These changes would put us in line with most other businesses in our sector and similar businesses in the local area.”
Finding a resolution
The union claimed that its had repeatedly approached Oscar Mayer to find a resolution to the dispute to avoid industrial action, but that it had refused to engage in ‘good faith negotiations’ or communicate with Unite at all.
However, Oscar Mayer’s spokesman said that its proposals had been subject to a full and proper consultation process with its colleagues and had engaged fully with unite throughout.
“The fact that we have agreed to a number of alternative proposals put forward by colleagues underscores the fact that there has been effective dialogue throughout, and that consultation has been constructive,” the spokesman added. “We remain committed to an ongoing dialogue as we work to reach agreement with our colleagues.”
Meanwhile, around 3,000 Diageo workers across Scotland are set to receive a 10.3% pay rise after union members voted in favour of a one-year pay deal.
