As nibbles season approaches, some absolute essentials could be under threat…
There could be some serious shortages in popular products this Christmas after workers at a Jacob’s factory announced they had started a ‘permanent strike.’
The GMB union said that more than 750 staff at the Merseyside plant were stepping up their fight for better pay after taking limited industrial action since September.
Workers at the factory are seeking a pay rise in line with inflation to help them through the cost of living crisis, Sky News reports.
The union claims that factory owner Pladis has walked away from talks and has tried to “undermine” workers in Liverpool by moving production of crackers to Portugal.
The company, which owns the United and McVitie’s brands, was yet to comment.
It means that the production of some festive staples could be seriously disrupted this Christmas, leading to shortages on supermarket shelves.
Both Twiglets and Mini Cheddars – undeniable essentials of a buffet or nibbles lineup – are produced at the factory, along with sweet treats such as Jaffa Cakes and Club bars.
And cheeseboard fans should be concerned as well, with Cream Crackers also produced at the Jacob’s factory.
Unite national officer Eamon O’Hearn said: “These workers are rightly angry – they put themselves on the line to keep the company going during the pandemic.
“Now they need some help to get them through the cost of living crisis, but it’s falling on deaf ears.
“Jacob’s workers will now be on strike 24 hours a day, seven days a week until the company comes back to the negotiating table.”
For the sake of households across the country, we really hope this one can be sorted out quickly – a Christmas without Twiglets doesn’t bear thinking about.
Related links:
- Prince Andrew donates leftover fruit and vegetables from garden to local food banks
- Nurses to hold biggest ever strike across UK within weeks
- Gordon Ramsay charging £275 a head for Christmas dinner – not including drinks
