Workers protest to say nothing sweet about greedy Cadbury
28th July 2009
Unite members across all of Cadbury’s UK plants are set to
demonstrate on Wednesday (29th July) over the anticipated half year
results, which are expected to see the company register huge
profits.
The workers, who come from across Cadbury's UK plants at
Bourneville, Chirk, Marlbrook and Somerdale, are continuing their
fight to get the world-famous chocolate manufacturer to honour the
final year of a three year pay agreement.
Speaking ahead of the demonstrations, Jennie Formby, Unite
national officer for the food and retail sector, said: “The
workforce is angry and feel betrayed by the company who are raking
in record profits yet clawing back an agreed, and very small, pay
deal.
“This is about honesty and integrity. The company has
breached the agreement which was to pay workers in line with the
cost of living for three years. These workers are, through
their hard work, delivering record profits for this company and
deserve fair pay, so it chokes them when Cadbury does the dirty on
them.
“We have repeatedly offered to enter into meaningful
negotiations and still will. We say to the management, talk to us
because we can work this out. We do not want to take any action and
it is very unusual for Cadbury, so to be demonstrating on Wednesday
shows the strength of feeling among these workers.”
Cadbury had agreed a deal of RPI plus 0.5 per cent but with a
minimum of 2 per cent for 2009. However, as RPI in February was 0
per cent the company is breaking the original agreement and instead
imposing a deal of 0.5 per cent.
1,300 workers across Cabdbury's sites are currently being
balloted on the prospect of industrial action to force the company
to uphold the agreement. The ballot result is expected towards the
end of August.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Jennie Formby on
07702206436 Mark Di-Toro in the Unite press office on 07918 640
579
NOTES
Photo call times:
Bourneville 11.00am, Marlbrook 12.15pm, Somerdale 12.00noon,
Chirk 12.30pm
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