A company statement reads …
While there has clearly been a significant loss of support for further industrial action, the overall result will leave many dismayed in view of the pay deal put forward by Heinz. Over two years, the deal was worth more than an extra 10% to the average worker’s wage at Kitt Green.
Last week, at a meeting with union representatives, Heinz increased the pay deal on offer by 0.6% over two years, which was a substantial move aimed at resolving the dispute. In contrast, the union has yet to move from their position and enter into meaningful and constructive negotiations.
The outcome of the ballot isn’t a vote in support of jobs or future investment in manufacturing at Kitt Green. The site is already the most costly for labour across the Heinz manufacturing network in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. The action being orchestrated by Unite will only make Kitt Green less competitive. The poor absence record at Kitt Green, running at twice the national average, adds further cost.
Heinz remains a top payer and top employer. We already pay our workforce 30% more than the middle earnings level of those with similar jobs in industry, and put forward a two-year pay deal far in excess of the 1.7% increase in average weekly earnings. Unite claims Heinz should pay even more, but we have to remain competitive to ensure we can continue to pay above-market pay increases.
Unite says that Heinz isn’t affected by the tough economic climate, but this isn’t true. We cannot afford to be complacent, as we face rising commodity prices and have to take a responsible view of the long-term job prospects at Kitt Green.
We’re committed to the future of Kitt Green and will seek to arrange further meetings with the union to resolve the dispute, but this industrial action will leave many totally perplexed and rewards no one in the long-term.
The BBC reports that Heinz and Unite have agreed to enter into a conciliation process through Acas to resolve the dispute.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024