Factory to grind to a halt again

COFFIN- MAKERS are striking for the second time at the Co- op Funeralcare in Shieldhall.

The fresh strikes began on Monday and will continue until November 21, at 7.54am, halting production at the Co- op’s only coffin factory in the UK over pay disputes.

Co- op Funeralcare has assured that the strike will not impact bereaved families as the company has a “strong supply of coffins” and “work closely with a range of third- party coffin suppliers”.

Unite the Union’s striking workers will be holding a rally for trade unionists and the wider public on Friday at 8.30am to drum up support for the factory workers.

The coffin workers have suggested that strike action could ‘ continue over the Christmas and New Year period’ if a pay deal is not reached.

Unite members launched their first week of strike action on Halloween after rejecting a pay offer from Co- op Funeralcare and demanding a pay rise in line with inflation.

Willie Thomson, regional officer at Unite, said: “With no planned talks with the employer tabled, this dispute will continue risking significant coffin supply disruption at a time when seasonal mortality rates are highest.

“Unite expected more from an organisation that carries the Co- op brand name.

“A brand whose values are linked to caring for others, democracy and equity.”

A spokesperson from Co- op Funeralcare said: “Our colleagues at our Glasgow coffin factory are a hugely valued part of our Co- op and we have been in an ongoing dialogue with Unite as we strive to reach a sensible pay agreement.

“We remain open to discussions to try and reach an agreement and have informed Unite of this.”