Kraft cuts first jobs with ‘indecent haste’
4th March 2010
Reacting to the news today (Thursday) that Kraft is seeking to
make its first job losses only weeks after completing its
controversial purchase of Cadbury, Unite national officer for food
and drink Jennie Formby said: "Kraft is moving with indecent haste
to cut jobs. Despite stating that the company would take 45 days to
gain a clearer idea of management and staff structures for the
combined business, Kraft has swung the axe before that deadline has
been passed.
"This is yet another broken promise from Kraft. It is
causing tremendous anxiety among the 6,000 plus workforce at
Cadbury, as well as for their colleagues at Kraft's UK plant.
No worker now feels safe.
"Given Kraft's huge debt and the savings of $675 million –the
companyy promised to make on the purchase of Cadbury - although
analysts say it is closer to $1-1.5 billion - our real fear
is that more job cuts are to come. Until Kraft comes clean on
its plans - which the company kept under wraps from even the
UK government during the takeover process - we do not know what
Kraft plans for its UK business.
"The first opportunity the British government and people will
have to hear from Kraft management is at the select committee
enquiry later this month. Kraft cannot evade scrutiny much
longer."
Kraft is looking to cut 150 jobs in the legal, finance and
communications departments at its Uxbridge HQ and the iconic
Bournville plant. A 90-day consultation process with the
workers at both sites is now underway.
In February this year, Kraft paid nearly £12 billon to take over
Cadbury, ending the chocolate maker’s 200 year history of
independence.
ENDS
For further information, please call Pauline Doyle on 07976 832
861
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