Workers at Tetley Tea in Teesside are going on strike starting today (20), sparking fears of a tea shortage.
Almost 150 GMB members working at Tata Consumer Products, which makes Tetley Tea in Teesside, voted to walk out in anger at "poverty pay".
Industrial action begins will take place on Friday (20) and and Monday (23).
Paul Clark, GMB Organiser, said, “This loyal, predominately female workforce has endured year after year of real terms pay cuts.
“Now they have had enough. GMB members are being intimidated by management not to go on strike – they trying to bully workers rather than listen to their concerns and try to find a solution.
“Tata bosses need to get back round the table, or we face a shortage of the UK’s favourite cup of tea this autumn.”
Tetley responded to the imminent action with the following statement.
“We are disappointed with the decision to strike particularly when we have two offers on the table which the Unions decided not to present to members before going to ballot.
“Of course, we are not immune to the difficult economic circumstances facing families and businesses, but we do believe the pay award offers made by us to be fair.
“As both pay offers remain open it is not appropriate for us to comment on the negotiations or the inaccuracies of the content of the press releases being issued.
“We are urging the Unions to reconsider their position and present the two offers on the table for consideration by members so that we can reach a swift resolution in line with what’s reasonably affordable to the business, and in the best interests of the factory.
“From discussions we are aware that the majority of members do not want to harm the business and would welcome the opportunity to consider the offers on the table which are yet to be shared with them.
“Contingency plans have been executed to enable production to continue with minimum disruption to supply, so we can ensure that Tetley is available for the millions of consumers who enjoy it.
“As a business we always seek to do the right thing, but we must act fairly and responsibly. We are committed to our UK manufacturing base and are continuing to invest to expand its capabilities and further our sustainability agenda. We must work however to remain competitive to support the best interests of the factory and our aspirations to grow our tea presence in the UK and overseas. “
Alex Rimmer
