Solidarnost s člani Unite, ki se borijo za pošteno plačilo pri Princes Foods

Jan 10, 2025| Hrana, V središču pozornosti, Novice in mediji, Sporočilo za javnost

Workers at Princes Group in the UK are taking industrial action these days to secure fair pay and resist the erosion of previously agreed commitments. With Unite the Union, EFFAT is calling on all its affiliates to share their solidarity and stand with these workers in their fight for justice.

Ozadje

The ongoing strike action, taking place between 6 and 18 January 2025, involves workers at five sites: Cardiff, Bradford, Glasgow, Long Sutton and Wisbech.

This decisive action follows the withdrawal of a pay offer previously reached under Princes' former owner, Mitsubishi. The original offer was for an increase of between 4% and 7%, reflecting salary levels and the rising cost of living. However, since Newlat took over in the summer of 2024, the offer has been unilaterally reduced to just 3%.

Unite and its members have expressed deep disappointment, describing the move as a breach of trust and a failure to honour the dedication and hard work of Princes' employees. In the context of the rising cost of living and the company's strong profits, this cut is both unfair and unacceptable.

This dispute follows the acquisition of Princes Limited by Newlat, an Italian multinational, and the subsequent formation of the 'New Princes Group'. There are serious concerns about the economic rationale of this acquisition and the future production strategy of the New Princes Group, particularly in relation to its operations in the UK and Italy. This is why EFFAT sent an official request for a meeting in October to the management of the New Princes Group together with its affiliates in the UK and Italy. So far, we haven't received a reply.

#FairPayNow!

Unite members are standing firm and demanding fair pay. They warn that prolonged industrial action could disrupt the supply chain but insist that such action is necessary.

Princes' rejection underlines the importance of collective solidarity in pressuring the company to return to meaningful negotiations.

Kako si lahko pomagate?

Affiliates are urged to show solidarity with Unite members in the following ways:

• Send messages of support and solidarity:

Please address your messages to Paul Travers [[email protected]] & Paul Russell [[email protected]]

• Amplify the message on social media:

Pridružite se nam #FairPayNow campaign by sharing messages of solidarity and support on social media platforms.