Biscuit workers angry at lower pay rise
BISCUIT workers in Glasgow fear their factory could close if they don’t accept a lower pay offer than other sites.
Staff at McVitie’s in Tollcross have been offered a pay deal which is lower than other factories in the UK owned by the parent company Pladis.
Last year, the Evening Times reported how there were concerns the factory was being run down and unions still have worries about future investment.
Workers have said they fear they are being backed into a corner and pressurised into accepting a lower deal or face the shutdown of the factory.
One worker said: “We are being threatened to accept the pay deal or face closure.”
The owners Pladis UK has said the claim of an ultimatum is untrue while unions are seeking reassurances that there is no threat of closure.
Workers and the union GMB is angry that the offer for the Tollcross workers is lower than others in the Pladis Group.
Plans to ballot the members on possible industrial action are being progressed.
Workers have been offered a 2.9% rise while other sites at Carlisle, Aintree and Harlesden in England have been offered 3% or more.
Staff at the factory said inflation is 3% and they want parity with other sites doing the same work.
A GMB spokesperson said: “Given that we have been pressing the company for nearly a year now over plans for Tollcross, we are seeking to meet Pladis management as soon as possible for assurances that there is no basis to these claims.”