Haribo faces strike threat

Around 270 members of the GMB union based at Haribo Confectionery in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, will be balloted over strike action from November 24. GMB has accused Haribo of “dictating to its employees rather than co-operating with them”.

Steve Huckerby, the GMB regional organiser, said “Haribo has gone back on a commitment they made to the workforce that they would not be forced to work over Christmas.

“GMB put forward proposals to the company to resolve the dispute but the company ignored them. The company then imposed the changes on the workforce bypassing the GMB consultation process. It is this imposition that has caused this dispute.

“The company made this decision taking no account of their staff spending time with their families over the festive season. The company is highly profitable and is attempting to increase their profit at the expense of their employees.

“GMB members are fed up with the company’s dictatorial attitude and they will vote for strike action to ensure that they are treated with respect.”

A Haribo spokesman said: “We are surprised and disappointed that a ballot for official strike action has been called. We have been involved in open discussions with our team and have been consulting with employees since July in relation to working on Monday 29 and Tuesday December 30; this is in response to meeting an increase in product demand and to honour agreements with our customers.

“As part of this process, we have invited any employee who does not want to work on these dates to submit holiday requests, this opportunity has already been taken up by a number of team members.

“Where applicable we have also honoured existing holiday plans and ensured those colleagues have been given the time off work.

“In addition, any employee working these dates will receive their existing pay, two additional days of holiday which could be taken at an alternative time or be paid in lieu and as a sign of our appreciation they will also receive an additional attendance and productivity bonus should our targets be met.

“Acknowledging the success of our business, Haribo will continue to reward team members throughout 2015, with the introduction of a new productivity bonus. It is also important to note that Haribo continues to reinvest its profits back into the region, with £92m being invested into a new purpose built facility, which will operate in addition to the existing Pontefract based factory. Through the new site, which is based at Junction 31 of the M62, Haribo will create 286 new jobs.

“This supports our continued commitment and investment in manufacturing excellence within the UK.”