The potential sandwich strike in the UK has put supermarket meal deals at risk.
- Over 500 workers at Greencore, the UK’s largest sandwich supplier, plan to strike due to low pay.
- The strike is scheduled from September 11 to October 9, unless a pay agreement is reached.
- This action could cause a significant shortage of sandwiches, impacting major supermarkets and food chains.
- Unite union emphasizes that efforts to resolve pay disputes are ongoing but have been unsuccessful so far.
The possibility of a strike by workers at Greencore, the UK’s largest sandwich supplier, has caused concern across major supermarkets. A potential disruption could jeopardize meal deals at retailers like Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Co-op, and Boots. With more than 500 employees set to initiate industrial action over unsustainable wages, the impact on sandwich availability is expected to be substantial.
Greencore employees, who supply sandwiches to numerous food outlets, are seeking an increase from their current hourly wage of £10.53. Their demand for improved compensation arises amidst a financial climate where cost-of-living increases have become a pressing concern. A strike, scheduled to run from September 11 to October 9, looms unless negotiations yield a satisfactory outcome.
Recent statistics indicate that sandwiches are a critical part of supermarket meal deals, comprising 52% of sandwiches sold through these promotions last year. The necessity for a resolution to avert a scarcity in sandwich supply is evident. Such scarcity could ripple across the retail landscape, affecting consumer purchase patterns and supermarket revenue.
The Unite union has underscored the critical nature of discussions with the employer. Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, highlighted, “Their employer, while making substantial profits, sees fit not to share the spoils with its workers.” Andy Shaw from Unite added that a resolution is still possible if the company returns to the negotiating table with an improved offer.
Greencore reported revenue growth to £1.7 billion, yet the deadlock over wage increases persists. The company has expressed disappointment over the union’s rejection of its pay proposal and is actively working on contingency plans to mitigate any impact on supply. Despite the ongoing dispute, it remains hopeful for a resolution that will prevent further disruption.
The looming strike at Greencore underscores the urgent need for resolution to avert widespread impacts on the UK’s meal deal supply.
