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Sausage Factory Strike Threatens UK Brands
8 Sep
Summary
- Enniskillen food plant workers strike over pay and break time equality.
- Strike action could disrupt supply of popular brands like Richmond sausages.
- Company states pay offers rejected; workers claim unskilled replacements slow production.
Workers at Pilgrim's Europe's food production plant in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, initiated an indefinite strike on September 2nd. The industrial action stems from demands for fairer pay and equal pay for breaks. Unite, the union representing approximately 130 workers, asserts this strike, following earlier actions, will significantly slow production.
Noreen Daly from Unite stated that skilled workers are picketing, and the company's use of inexperienced replacements will affect output. The strike's potential impact extends to the supply of popular UK brands like Fridge Raiders and Richmond sausages. Despite the union's claims, Pilgrim's Europe stated that no product shortages have occurred.
Pilgrim's Europe, which has over 40 facilities across the UK, Ireland, France, and the Netherlands, noted that it had made pay offers above inflation, weighted towards lower-paid staff. The company also indicated proposals to address concerns regarding paid breaks. They remain open to dialogue to reach a fair agreement.
