Brits could face a shortage of sausages as workers at major supplier Pilgrim's Europe strike over pay. The action begins tomorrow (September 2) at 6.30am, with the union warning it "will impact supply of some leading UK brands."
Strike action and brands affected
Disputes between staff and bosses at Pilgrim's Europe have led to protests at its Enniskillen production facility in Northern Ireland. The company produces Fridge Raiders, Richmond Sausages and Mr Brains Pork Faggots.
The strike follows three weeks of industrial action. Unite, the union, said it fights to end the current regime "where morning shift workers are the only shift workers not getting fully paid breaks." Morning-shift employees are paid for just 15 minutes of their breaks, compared with 30 minutes for evening and night workers, Unite said.
Pay demands and company response
The union is also demanding an improvement to pay. The lowest paid workers receive an hourly rate of £12.82 – only eleven pence above the minimum wage.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Pilgrim's is a hugely profitable company making massive profits while its workers earn just pennies above the bare legal minimum. It can easily make its workers a fair offer but is choosing not to."
She added: "Our members are determined to win an improved deal – they have the total support of Unite for as long as it takes to achieve that."
A Pilgrim's Europe spokesperson told The Sun: "The company has already made a number of above-inflation pay offers, backdated as part of the proposals, which have been rejected by Unite. In addition, we have put forward proposals aimed at addressing concerns relating to paid breaks for day-shift employees."
The spokesperson continued: "We continue to be available for further constructive dialogue with Unite and are focused on reaching an agreement that is fair, sustainable and in the best interests of our employees and the long-term operation of the site. We are grateful to our wider employees for their support in maintaining operations."
