More than 750 factory employees for Jacob’s Cream Crackers, owned by Pladis, secured an improved pay deal after 11 weeks of strike action.
The employees, who also make Mini Cheddars, Clubs and Twiglets at the site in Aintree, the primary facility for the business’ products in the UK, took part in limited industrial action from September. As of Monday 14 November, they stated aims to walk out every day until receiving a pay offer that addressed the rising cost of living.
The deal includes a 6.5% backdated pay increase, a £500 Christmas bonus and a further £250 bonus in January. Employees were previously offered a pay rise of 4.25%, which according to trade union GMB was below their initial demand of 10%, which they asked for in order to fit with inflation.
Last month, the business announced it would be moving the production of Jacobs Cream Crackers to Portugal to ensure there were enough supplies in the run-up to Christmas, which GMB stated was in a bid to undermine the strike.
Lisa Ryan, an organiser for GMB, said: “These workers have stuck together and secured a decent pay offer through their commitment. They needed something to help them during the cost-of-living crisis. We’re glad the company have finally listened to their hard-pressed staff. Every penny earned here is down to these workers. All they wanted was their fair share.”
Pladis was contacted for comment prior to publication.
In November, rival biscuit maker Fox’s gave staff a 13.5% pay rise over two years after threatening strike action, while staff at Heinz’s condiment factory in Telford won an 11% pay rise.