Members of Unite, the UK’s largest union, voted by a massive eight to one to reject the company’s 2% pay offer.
Unite’s regional officer Wayne King said: “With inflation touching 5%, the offer by this highly profitable global company is unrealistic, and given the massive profits of this corporate, frankly insulting. 2% neither reflects the true cost of living, nor the hard work of our members.
“Coca-Cola is in no way suffering during the recession, yet it wants to force its workers, in one of the world’s most expensive cities, to accept a poverty pay deal. Further, the company has failed to meaningfully negotiate throughout the pay process. Small wonder then that the overwhelming majority of our members have voted for industrial action. Unless Coca-Cola responds with an improved offer, then a strike seems inevitable.”
Coca-Cola Enterprises made the following statement in response:
“Coca-Cola Enterprises can confirm that on Wednesday 1 September, we received formal notification of limited strike action to be held at our Edmonton site in north London.
“We’re extremely disappointed in Unite’s actions and we believe that the pay offer made in the current climate is fair. We remain open to continuing a dialogue with all our employees and with the unions in an effort to reach a constructive outcome.
“CCE has a long standing commitment to engaging positively with our employees and employee representatives, and we’re disappointed that the unions have taken this step.
“CCE has plans in place to ensure that any industrial action doesn’t disrupt the high quality of service we always aim to deliver for our customers.”
Source: Unite, Coca-Cola Enterprises
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