Union members strike at Middleton food factory

The picket line at Mizkan Euro, Middleton

Over 50 union members at a food factory in Middleton have announced strike action following a ‘derisory’ pay offer.

More than 50 workers at Mizkan Euro – which produces well-known brands including Branston Pickle, Sarsons Vinegar and Haywards Pickled Vegetables – went on strike from Tuesday 18 October to Thursday 20 October.

The workers recorded an 81 per cent vote in favour of strike action, having rejected a pay increase of five per cent.

The workers are all members of Unite, which says this would be a substantial real terms pay cut, with the real inflation rate (RPI) currently standing at 12.3 per cent.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Here we have another employer, Mizkan, who can afford to pay fairly but is refusing to do so.

“Our members are critical to the success of this business, as well as to brands like Branston and Sarsons. They deserve to be paid a decent rate for the job but instead they’re being told to accept a substantial pay cut. This is just not acceptable.

“Unite will be giving its members at Mizkan Euro its complete support.”

Unite regional officer Andrena Clarke said: “Strike action will inevitably lead to shortages of some of the UK’s favourite pickles and vinegars but this dispute is entirely of Mizkan’s own making. The company has been given every opportunity to make a pay offer that meets the expectations of Unite’s members but has failed to do so.”

Further industrial action has been called for Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 October.

Paul Tirebuck, HR Director, Mizkan Euro, said: “We can confirm that our union members at Mizkan Euro Middleton voted for and are taking strike action this week, however, the turnout is low. 

“Given the daily rising cost of raw materials, transport and energy, as well as the ongoing volatile global climate we have, in the circumstances made a very fair pay offer. We are committed to bringing all parties back to the table to constructively resolve this dispute. 

“We do not anticipate any disruption in supply to retailers and other customers or to our consumers.”