A pay dispute at Wigan plastic bottle maker Alpla UK could affect big brands like Coca Cola and Britvic, Unite says
Nearly 150 factory workers who are members of Unite are selected for strike action at Alpla’s Golborne factory in the UK in response to an “offensive” two percent salary offer.
The union said its members were “extremely upset” that other employees at the company were given a three percent increase.
Workers also want the company to honor a pledge made in 2020 to increase employer pension contributions.
Alpla UK makes plastic bottles and containers for customers such as PZ Cussons, Johnson & Johnson, Lever, Britvic, Coca Cola, Arla Foods, Core Ingredients, Princes Foods and others.
Strike actions could affect the supply of bottles and containers for products such as laundry detergents, hand sanitizers, shower gels and beverages.
The election begins on Wednesday (September 8th) and ends on September 22nd.
Unite Regional Director Richard O’Brien said: “Alpla UK has very healthy sales of nearly £ 200 million and an operating profit of more than £ 21 million.
“The company can clearly afford to offer our members more than an offensive two percent, especially after keeping Alpla through the pandemic when other companies struggled.
“After Alpla awarded three percent to other employees and the failure to comply with the 2020 pension commitments, our members feel treated like second-class employees and are extremely angry.
“Our feeling is so strong that Unite has no choice but to vote our members for strike action, which could affect the availability of major food, beverage and other consumer brands across the country.
“Given the difficulties the supply chain is already facing due to driver shortages, this will be the last thing Alpla’s customers want.
“We urge Alpla to come back to the negotiating table with an offer that our members can accept before this dispute escalates further.
“Unite is committed to improving the jobs, wages and working conditions of its members and will oppose any efforts to lower workers’ living standards.”
