Workers at a KP Snacks factory in the UK have voted to take strike action in a dispute over pay.
According to trade union GMB, almost 50 of its members at the Billingham plant have backed the industrial action after the company “imposed” extra duties without pay hike. There are around 700 workers at the site in north-east England.
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The factory makes crisps and snacks under brands including Hula-Hoops, McCoy’s, Pom-Bears and Discos.
Paul Clark, an organiser at the GMB union, said workers “will not stand by while their workload increases without recognition”.
Clark told Just Food the union has not yet served strike notice on the company. He is planning to meet with members to decide on the dates for the planned action.
GMB said the company’s management has frozen all leave requests over potential strike impacts, with the union taking legal advice on whether the move is “unlawful”.
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By GlobalDataThe union said it remains “open” to talks with KP Snacks, which is owned by Germany-based Intersnack.
A spokesperson from KP Snacks said: “We are disappointed by the outcome of this ballot, which involves a small number of our colleagues at Teesside, and we remain in ongoing discussions with them and the GMB.
According to the spokesperson, the company is committed to “constructive dialogue”. They added: “In the meantime, robust contingency plans are in place to minimise disruption and ensure continuity of supply.”
KP Snacks, headquartered in Slough in southern England, has seven manufacturing sites across the country. Its portfolio also includes Skips, Tyrrells and Butterkist.
