Heinz workers vote to strike

HEINZ workers in Wigan have voted to go on strike over a pay deal which the union Unite said represents a cut in real terms.

Unite said its members backed industrial action by 9-1 in protest at a below inflation 3.3% pay offer.

Around 1,200 people work at the factory making beans, soups and baby food.

Unite’s national officer Jennie Formby said: “This ballot result reflects what our members feel about Heinz’s current attitude. Our members do not want to take strike action but have been left with no choice because they will not allow Heinz management to bully or fool its workforce into accepting its version of a ‘fair’ pay deal.

“Workers at the factory feel completely let down by Heinz management. They want the opportunity to voice their anger at the way they are being treated and strike action will make the company listen.”

Nigel Dickie, Heinz’s director of corporate affairs, has defended the pay offer and described the outcome of the ballot as “very disappointing”.