Workers at soft drinks factory go on strike

Two hundred workers at the factory that makes Lucozade and Ribena have gone on strike.

Members of union Unite are taking the week-long action against their employer, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I in Coleford.

Unite said it was the first such walkout to take place at the site since the 1970s.

Suntory’s Karl Ottomar said workers had already received two pay rises and there would be “minimal disruption”.

Unite said Suntory had failed to address the impact of the cost of living crisis on staff.

Spokesman Michael Hobbs said workers had received a two-year pay deal effective from 1 April 2022, with a commitment to review the second year’s increase, should inflation exceed 5% between January to June 2023.

Mr Hobbs said the company had reneged on its promise after the inflation rate exceeded that level.

“There’s strength of feeling amongst the workers here,” he said.

“We’re looking for a fair pay deal and we’ll support our members until we get a fair pay deal.

“At the moment the company is offering us 1.75% which is not enough,” added Mr Hobbs.

A company spokesperson said employees had already been offered a 3.5% pay increase and the latest offer was a further 1.75%, bringing the total increase being discussed to a 5.25% rise.

The spokesman added: “Employees had additionally received at least one additional payment equivalent to 4% of their annual salary.”