According to Unite the Union, more than 700 of its members at the Bakkavor facility in Spalding have been taking part in continuous industrial action since 27 September.
These members were recently re-balloted by Unite and “voted overwhelmingly” in favour of remaining on strike indefinitely.
The site is responsible for producing ready meals, soups, dips, salads, desserts, pizzas and breads for retailers such as Tesco, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose.
There have been several reports of dip shortages resulting from the strike, while Unite has warned that shortages could worsen unless a deal is reached between Bakkavor and its employees.
However, Bakkavor has said that it is on track to complete all of its deliveries ahead of Christmas and accused Unite of making “sensational” claims based on incorrect information.
“We have worked in collaboration with our retail partners to ensure that consumers continue to have access to a wide range of products,” a spokesperson for Bakkavor said.
On the subject of pay terms, Unite said that its members have seen their pay decrease by 10.6% in real terms over the last three years, and are demanding a raise of just 81p per hour on average.
Meanwhile, Bakkavor said it has offered a 7.8% raise to its lowest paid employees and 6.4% across all other grades, as well as a £350 per head bonus.
“More than 780 colleagues have individually accepted and welcomed the offer of the new rates and bonus - including some strikers who have chosen to end their dispute with the business,” the spokesperson added.
‘Workers have full backing of Unite’
“If Bakkavor thought they could just hold out a bit longer and our members would go back to work with their tails between their legs they have another thing coming,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.
“Hundreds of our members voted overwhelmingly for further strike action and they will have the full backing of Unite as they continue their fight for fair pay.”
Meanwhile, Unite regional officer Sam Hennessey accused Bakkavor of “letting down” the communities that it had built its business around.
“This is a dispute of their own making and the people of Spalding know they could resolve it with a stroke of pen and by paying a fair wage,” added Hennessey.
“Our members are absolutely resolute in their fight and the vote for further strikes means Bakkavor will continue to let down its customers for the foreseeable future.”
