Greencore strikes suspended after improved pay offer

It was announced earlier this month (September 2023) that more than 500 workers at the sandwich manufacturer’s Manton Wood factory in Worksop, Nottinghamshire had voted in favour of industrial action.

This decision came after pay discussions broke down between Greencore and Unite the union​​. Initially set to begin on 11 September 2023 and run until 9 October, the planned work stoppage has now been suspended as a result of the offer.

Unite members involved in the strike, which includes line workers, quality controllers, store workers and cleaners will now vote on whether to accept the revised pay deal.

Greencore supplies sandwiches and ready meals to retailers such as Morrisons, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Co-op and Boots.

Commenting on the suspension of strike action, Unite regional officer Andy Shaw said: “Greencore has finally come back to the negotiating table after the threat of strike action by our members. As a good-will gesture we have called off industrial action while we put this new offer to our members​.”

Pleased to reach an agreement

A Greencore spokesperson confirmed that a new offer has been submitted to Unite the Union.

“Following further negotiation with Unite in recent days, we are pleased to have reached agreement in principle on a deal that we believe is in the best interests of our colleagues at Manton Wood and, importantly, means that potential industrial action at the site can be avoided​,” they said.

Greencore was involved in negotiations with the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union last year after a pay offer was rejected by a majority of members working at its Northampton factory​​.

In other news, Unite has threatened food packaging manufacturer Cepac with legal action​​ amid ongoing strike action at its Darlington facility. Unite said that any members involved in the strike action that are subsequently made redundant would be supported by the union with unfair dismissal claims.