Supermarket meal deals in the UK face potential disruption due to a strike by Greencore workers.
- Over 500 employees are demanding a pay rise from their current £10.53 hourly rate.
- The strike is set to last from September 11 to October 9 if negotiations fail.
- Greencore, a major sandwich supplier, witnessed a 975 million sandwich production last year.
- Unite union criticises Greencore for not sharing profits despite significant revenue growth.
Supermarket meal deals are under threat as over 500 workers at Greencore, the UK’s largest sandwich supplier, voted to strike. These workers are demanding an increase to their current £10.53-an-hour wage. The potential strike, expected to last from September 11 through October 9, stems from what has been described as “poverty levels of pay” affecting workers at Greencore’s Manton Wood site in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. This site plays a crucial role in supplying sandwiches to major UK supermarkets and food outlets including Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Co-op, and Boots.
Greencore’s significant production capacity saw it make 975 million sandwiches last year, with 52% being part of supermarket meal deal combos. This figure highlights a notable increase from the previous year, where only 46% of sandwiches were included in meal deals. The potential impact on these combos is significant, given their popularity among consumers who typically pair sandwiches with a drink and snack for convenience and value.
Unite union has strongly criticised Greencore, accusing the company of failing to reward its workforce despite reporting substantial profits. General Secretary Sharon Graham stated, “Their employer, while making substantial profits, sees fit not to share the spoils with its workers.” This sentiment is echoed by Unite’s Andy Shaw, who urged the company to return to the negotiating table with an improved offer, acknowledging the contribution of its employees to the company’s financial success.
Despite these tensions, Greencore has expressed disappointment over the rejection of its final pay offer. A company spokesperson noted that the offer was considered strong and competitive, even though it was turned down by union members amid a low turnout. In anticipation of possible disruptions due to industrial action, Greencore is planning and implementing mitigation strategies at its Manton Wood site to sustain service levels.
The situation unfolds against a backdrop of growing financial disparities, with Tesco and Waitrose setting a precedent earlier this year by introducing a premium meal deal priced at £5. This move underscores the competitive nature of the grocery sector, where customer satisfaction hinges on balancing affordable pricing with adequate employee compensation.
The outcome of the looming Greencore strike could significantly impact the availability of popular meal deals in UK supermarkets.
