Members of trade union Unite plan to scrap the tool next week, claiming management has failed to address the cost of living crisis.
According to the union, workers will enter into a two-year wage agreement that will take effect from April 1, 2022, with a second year increase if inflation exceeds 5% from January to June 2023. The company also received a promise from Suntory to review the issue.
inflation rate
Inflation was seen rising by more than 5%, but Unite claimed manufacturers were not meeting expectations in terms of commitments.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham accused Suntory of failing to offer members fair pay rises. She added: “Unite follows trade union rules and always puts our members’ jobs, pay and conditions first. Suntory employees have Unite’s full support.”
Monday's strike action is the first at the Royal Forest plant since the 1970s. Unite claimed the strike would lead to shortages of Lucozade and Ribena, leaving supermarket shelves empty.
fear of scarcity
Unite Regional Director Michael Hobbs said:A strike would inevitably lead to a shortage of the beverages that consumers like, but Suntory itself called for a strike because of its unreasonable behavior.
“The continued disrespect by Suntory and its inability to address the ongoing impact of the cost of living crisis on its employees is pushing our members to their breaking point.”
meanwhile, Strike action at Cargill cocoa and chocolate factory ends After the worker agrees to a new salary offer.
GMB union members working at the facility in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, voted in favor of a 10.4% pay rise and a lump sum payment to help with living costs.
