Unite anger over Burton betrayal - plans to close Wirral biscuit
factory, 342 jobs to go
12 January 2011
Unite, the UK’s largest trade union, reacted angrily on behalf
of loyal workers over Burton Foods’ proposals announced today
(January 12) to close its factory in Moreton, on the Wirral.
Closure of the plant – one of the last major employers in the
area - will see 342 workers thrown onto the dole. Unite says that
the planned redundancies give the lie to the government's claims
that the private sector can be depended upon to create the jobs
that will lead the UK to economic recovery.
Burton Foods, was formerly owned by Duke Street Capital the
private equity firm, but more recently taken over by their bank,
the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Only three years ago,
Burton Foods agreed a deal with Unite union officials to guarantee
work until 2012 and to develop Moreton into a ‘flag ship’
site.
The site, which makes Cadbury’s chocolate biscuits under license
including the highly successful Crunchie, Turkish Delight and
Caramel biscuit ranges, will see the first job losses in May and
full closure by the end of this year, with the refining of
chocolate for the iconic Cadbury’s biscuits brands to be
outsourced.
The devastated workers believe the plant does have a future
though, and have vowed to fight to save the factory and secure
their jobs.
Unite says it will now launch a major campaign to save the
factory, calling on government ministers, local MPs and the people
of Merseyside to get behind the community.
Commenting on the decision, Jennie Formby, Unite national
officer for food and drink, said: “Burton’s has been part of the
Wirral for generations, providing stable employment for families
across the whole community.
"So we will fight with all our power to save this plant because
closure is not an option. It will devastate this community.
“This proposed closure also gives the lie to the claims by Mr
Cameron and Clegg that the private sector will create jobs for the
million or so they are cutting in public sector. With one of
the biggest employers in Merseyside closing a plant, workers will
regard this claim as hollow."
Ritchie James, Unite regional officer, said: “Our task now is to
consult with our members on the next steps, and to give them every
reassurance of their union's support at every level.
"This plant was saved from the axe in 2007 through the efforts
of the workers, their friends in the community and their union.
There is a mountain to climb but we will be doing everything in our
power to make sure the last campaign wasn’t for nothing."
There will now by a 90-day consultation period on the proposed
closure. Unite has vowed to present the company with alternatives
to compulsory redundancies.
ENDS
For further information please contact Karen Viquerat on 07768
931 316.
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