The statement says: ‘We are disappointed that strike action is being taken today.
‘We have made one of the best pay offers in the industry, equivalent to 4% this year and 3% next. And for the vast majority, the second year is worth between 3.6% and 4.6%.
‘This is well above our competitors and UK average weekly earnings, which are increasing by 1.7%. Heinz remains a top tier employer and payer.
‘Our competitors don’t give RPI or CPI pay increases. If we were to do this, we would only damage our long-term future. We have to remain competitive. This is how we can keep jobs at Kitt Green, keep investing in the long-term future of the site and ensure we can afford above-market pay increases.
‘We are keeping communication channels open with Unite via the Site Union representatives with a view to resolving the dispute, but this industrial action will leave many totally perplexed.
‘There will still be plenty of all our famous varieties, including Heinz Beanz and Soups, since we have already taken steps to manage stock levels to ensure consumers are not disappointed.’
Heinz workers will begin their strike action at 10pm tonight.
Source: Heinz
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