There could be a Wagon Wheel shortage

Workers at the Burton's Biscuits plant are planning to go on strike, with a walk-out set to occur later on this week. This is due to an ongoing dispute over pay. The chiefs at Burton’s Biscuits Co. have been accused of not valuing their staff after making a “derisory” pay offer.

Union members at the Sighthill factory, which produces Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels, voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action after management refused to increase a 1.6% pay offer for next year. The first of a series of 24-hour strikes are due to take place at 6am on Wednesday morning, which follows an indefinite work and overtime ban. More strike action is planned to take place on September 16 and 23.

A mass walkout at the production plant could see the production of some of the UK’s favourite biscuits grind to a halt and create shortages. GMB Scotland organiser Benny Rankin said: “Burton’s stubborn stance on this year’s pay offer is an insult to staff that have worked throughout the lockdown at management’s insistence. He added: “Their refusal to meaningfully engage with a workforce that deserves so much better means we have been left with little choice but to strike for a decent pay offer.”

A Burton's Biscuit Co spokesman said the company was "shocked" at the GMB's request for a 7% pay rise but was "always open to meaningful discussions on pay". He went on to accuse the union of not sharing any offers they had received about pay and flexible working openly with members and revealed there has been a £1.2 million impact on the bakery during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Against the backdrop of growing economic uncertainty, the country entering a depression and rising levels of unemployment, we have made what we consider to be a series of very fair and reasonable offers, enabling us to provide job security alongside increased earnings."

"Alongside the challenging environment, this action may only serve to jeopardise our employees' ongoing job security. Our desire is to find a mutually acceptable solution for our colleagues and the business, and we are willing to resume discussions with employees' representatives at the earliest opportunity. We also hope that we can return to full production as soon as possible and move forward in a spirit of unity and co-operation in a safe, enjoyable and productive working environment."

Fingers crossed this is all resolved soon, as I've just done a count and there are only five Wagon Wheels in the tin in the cupboard. I've already put my initials on them...

What could become a highly tradable commodity!

What could become a highly tradable commodity!