Strikes due to begin tomorrow (Wednesday 23 June) at cereal maker Weetabix have been suspended following talks between Unite the union and management at the company.

Strikes suspended

Engineers employed by Weetabix and who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, were preparing to take strike action in a fire and rehire dispute, which would have resulted in the affected workers suffering substantial pay cuts.

As a result of talks held today (Tuesday 22 June) Unite agreed to suspend strike action that was scheduled every Wednesday from tomorrow until September. In response Weetabix has agreed not to make any changes to the engineer’s contracts until at least 1 September.

The move to deescalate the strike action is designed to allow meaningful negotiations to take place.

Constructive talks

Unite regional officer Sean Kettle said: “Following constructive talks with Weetabix today Unite has agreed to suspend the strike action which was due to begin tomorrow.

 “The decision to suspend the strikes was in response to Weetabix agreeing to postpone the proposed implementation of the contract changes for our members.

 “It is hoped that fresh negotiations will allow a deal to be reached that will be acceptable to our members.”

Resolution sought

Unite national officer for food Joe Clarke said: “Constructive and meaningful discussions were held with Weetabix today and as a result it was agreed to suspend the strike action to allow for further dialogue and create the necessary space for both sides to seek a resolution."

 If the planned negotiations do not lead to a satisfactory resolution of the dispute then renewed strike action could be called later this summer or early this autumn.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Weetabix strikes announced at Northamptonshire sites over company’s disgraceful fire and rehire plans

 During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

 

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

 

Email: [email protected]

 

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Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.