Further strike action at Middleton food factory

The picket line at Mizkan Euro, Middleton, in October

Unite, the UK’s leading union, has announced further strike action in Middleton as a result of Mizkan Euro's 'derisory pay offer'.

The 50-plus workers, who are based at Mizkan Euro’s factory – which produces well-known brands including Branston Pickle, Sarsons Vinegar and Haywards Pickled Vegetables – will take fresh strike action for three days beginning on Wednesday 3 November and ending on Saturday 5 November.

The workers took three days of strike action earlier this month (18-20 October) in response to the company offering the workers an increase of just five per cent, which is in reality a pay cut, with the actual inflation rate (RPI) now standing at 12.6 per cent.

Read more: Union members strike at Middleton food factoryPublished: 21 October 2022

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members at Mizkan Euro are vital to the success of its brands such as Branston Pickle. The company can fully afford to pay its workers fairly but is avoiding doing so in order to boost its profits.

“It is totally unacceptable that Mizkan Euro thinks it can get away without paying its workers a decent pay increase.

“Our members will continue to receive Unite’s unswerving support.”

Unite regional officer Andrena Clarke said: “The initial strike action caused a substantial reduction in the production of key brands and the fresh strike action will increase shortages on supermarket shelves.

“Mizkan Euro should stop prevaricating and make its workers a fair pay offer.”

A spokesperson for Mizkan Euro said: "We can confirm that union members at our Sarson's vinegar facility in Middleton, recently voted for strike action (18, 19, 25, 26 October 3, 4, 7, 8 November), however, the turnout remains 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.

"As we enter the festive season, we do not anticipate any disruption in supply to retailers, other customers or to our consumers."