A potential tea shortage in the UK has been avoided following a successful pay deal for Tetley workers.
- Nearly 200 GMB Union members at Tata Consumer Products in Teeside had earlier voted for strike action.
- The workers, predominantly low-paid women, have now accepted a 7% pay rise offer.
- The pay increase is retroactive to 1 April 2023, meeting key demands of the workforce.
- The situation highlights ongoing labour disputes at other major companies, such as Tesco.
A significant development has unfolded in the UK’s tea industry as a looming shortage has been effectively prevented. This outcome follows the acceptance of a new pay deal by almost 200 members of the GMB Union employed at Tata Consumer Products’ facility in Teeside. This site is notably the sole producer of Tetley Tea for the UK market.
Initial tensions arose when these union members, primarily low-paid women, rejected an earlier pay proposal, leading to a vote for industrial strike action. The situation has since taken a positive turn with the workers agreeing to a fresh offer of a 7% salary increase, which will be backdated to 1 April 2023. This pay adjustment aims to address longstanding financial grievances and provide immediate economic relief to the workforce.
Laura Maughan, a GMB organiser, commented on the resolution, emphasising the collective efforts of the workers. She stated, “After years of real terms pay cuts, these low-paid, predominantly women workers have stood together and demanded more – and they’ve got it. This pay rise will enable them to support their families and stop relying on food banks.” Her remarks highlight the critical nature of the agreement in improving the living standards of those affected.
The resolution of Tetley workers’ demands comes amidst a backdrop of labour unrest at other major UK businesses. Specifically, Tesco is facing potential disruptions due to strike actions by cleaning and catering staff at one of its depots. Members of Unite the Union have declared a series of strikes, beginning with two 24-hour protests and extending into three-day actions later in the month. This reflects broader concerns within the workforce regarding contract terms and wage adjustments.
The agreement with Tetley workers illustrates the delicate balance between employer negotiations and workforce satisfaction, resonating across various sectors.
