The strike action at Tetley highlights an unresolved pay dispute at Tata Consumer Products in Teeside.
- Over 150 workers, mainly women, initiated the strike, citing insufficient pay and unfair treatment.
- GMB Union accuses management of calling police on strikers, escalating tensions further.
- Legal actions are being pursued against workers for trespass amidst ongoing strikes.
- Despite a new pay deal in August 2023, workers argue for further pay justice.
The current strike action at Tetley underlines ongoing tensions between the workforce and management at Tata Consumer Products’ facility in Teeside. Over 150 workers, primarily women, have positioned themselves at the forefront of this industrial action, with the GMB Union advocating their claims for better wages.
The strikers argue they receive inadequate compensation for their work, describing their pay as “a pittance.” This sentiment has led to a series of planned strikes, with the next occurring on 10 October. This marks the first coordinated industrial action at Tetley, signalling a significant discord between labour and management.
Central to the dispute is an incident where management allegedly called law enforcement to the site, accusing the predominantly female strikers of being intimidating. This has intensified the conflict, bringing national attention to the workers’ demands for fair treatment and remuneration.
In a controversial move, Tetley management is pursuing legal measures against the strikers, citing trespass. However, the GMB Union and the workers contend that this legal push is an attempt to intimidate and silence their lawful industrial action rights.
This round of strikes follows an agreed pay adjustment in August 2023, which, according to the union, fell short of what was needed. Workers are steadfast in their resolve for what they term as pay justice, asserting that the fight continues for a remuneration package that ensures a decent standard of living.
The escalation of the Tetley strike underscores the persistent struggle for equitable pay within the organisation, highlighting significant labour-management tensions.
