Member Article

Pontefract Haribo factory workers set for strike action

Pontefract Haribo confectionery factory workers are to be balloted for strike action in a dispute over compulsory working over the Christmas period.

There are 270 members of general trade union GMB union based at Haribo Confectionery in West Yorkshire, will be balloted over strike action from November 24.

Figures for for confectioner for the year ending 31/12/2013 shows that turnover increased by 12.9% to £146.3 million and profit after tax increase by 19% to £14.4 million.

Steve Huckerby, GMB regional organizer, said “This dispute has been caused by the company dictating to its employees rather than co-operating with them.

“GMB suggested to the company some time ago to ask for volunteers to work over the Christmas period and put forward an incentive and the GMB felt sure the required number of employees would offer to work without any problems.

“However the Company has ignored this suggestion and is forcing members to work. That has now resulted in the ballot for strike action.

“The company is highly profitable and is looking to increase its profits at the expense of the workforce.”

A Haribo spokesman apparently told the Yorkshire Post: “We are surprised and disappointed that a ballot for official strike action has been called.

“We have been involved in open discussions with our team and have been consulting with employees since July in relation to working on Monday 29 and Tuesday December 30; this is in response to meeting an increase in product demand and to honour agreements with our customers.

“As part of this process, we have invited any employee who does not want to work on these dates to submit holiday requests, this opportunity has already been taken up by a number of team members.

“Where applicable we have also honoured existing holiday plans and ensured those colleagues have been given the time off work.

“In addition, any employee working these dates will receive their existing pay, two additional days of holiday which could be taken at an alternative time or be paid in lieu and as a sign of our appreciation they will also receive an additional attendance and productivity bonus should our targets be met.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .