BOOTLE bakers are set to launch a 48-hour pay strike tomorrow amid a wave of solidarity from the labour movement.
Allied Bakeries Liverpool workers “feel they have no choice but to strike” after nearly a year of having their hopes of a reasonable settlement were repeatedly dashed, said bakers’ union BFAWU.
The workers produce products for many famous brands, including Kingsmill bread.
One, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We worked through the Covid-19 pandemic in difficult working conditions, classed as essential workers, keeping the site open and feeding the nation with above-average performances.
“And now we are struggling to feed ourselves and our families.”
The union slammed Allied Bakeries and its parent company Associated British Foods (ABF) for “boasting about their successful increases in profits and shareholder rewards” during the dispute.
BFAWU regional officer and lead negotiator Roy Streeter said: “We had hoped for a reasonable settlement and recognition for tough times, but alas, that has not been the case.
“It’s been hard work to get anything near a decent proposal from the company, so much so that workers have taken part in numerous pay ballots, which have failed to meet their minimum requests.”
The union’s national president Ian Hodson saluted the “bravery” of the staff and warned that their experience is now all-too common across the food industry.
“While employers see considerable profit increases and can protect themselves from cost rises through price increases, this is not the case for workers.”
Labour ex-shadow chancellor John McDonnell hailed the “critical” dispute, tweeting: “Too many workers are themselves unable to afford the price of the food they create.”
The Trade Union Coordinating Group, which represents 11 unions, also tweeted its solidarity yesterday.
An Allied Bakeries spokesman told the Morning Star: “We believe the offer on the table is fair and responsible, amounting to a 10 per cent salary increase over two years, and hope to resume constructive dialogue with our employees as soon as possible. We remain fully focused on finding a solution that works for all concerned.”
