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Midnight Strike Action Looms At Crucial M&S Supplier Over ‘Derisory’ 6 Pence Pay Offer

Friday, April 12, 2019

Midnight Strike Action Looms At Crucial M&S Supplier Over ‘Derisory’ 6 Pence Pay Offer

This is not just a strike, this is a M&S strike, says GMB Scotland as Bakkavor Bo’Ness workers prepare to take action

GMB Scotland, the union for food industry workers, has announced members at crucial Marks & Spencer (M&S) supplier Bakkavor Bo’Ness will take strike action from midnight tonight.

The move follows a derisory 2.27 per cent pay offer, which for the lowest paid workers equates to an increase of just 6 pence an hour.

Bakkavor, which produces food for M&S, tried to prevent GMB’s action taken place, sending a letter from a hugely expensive city law firm accusing GMB of potentially taking unlawful action.

In response Bakkavor, GMB has stated that the action is lawful and will commence from midnight tonight (Friday 12 April). A day of action will take place from midnight on Tuesday 16 April to midnight of Wednesday 17 April.

Christina Lambie GMB Scotland Organiser, said:

“Our action follows a derisory pay offer from the company, which leaves our lowest paid members facing an increase of just six pence an hour.

“GMB does not wish our already low paid members to lose money due to strike action, but Bakkavor need to know our members will not stand for being exploited.

“This company will stoop to any level to stop our members’ democratic right to take lawful industrial action and to try and discredit GMB for defending our members’ interests.

“Our members deserve so much better than the poverty pay they receive from this hugely profitable company who make high quality products for the food shop of choice of those who can afford the luxury - M&S.

“GMB will meet with the company at any time to resolve this dispute. It is in their gift to do so. This won’t be just a strike, this will be an M&S strike.”

ENDS

Contact: Christina Lambie 07775 571 564 or GMB Press Office on 07958 156846 or at press.office@gmb.org.uk