One strike begins and another is threatened at Midlands manufacturers

Workers at a major employer in the Midlands went out on strike tonight, hours after ballot papers were sent out to workers at a second manufacturer.

A 24-hour strike at the Weetabix plant in Kettering began after Usdaw members rejected an offer from the company.

The dispute is about shift pay at the site, which produces cereal bars.

Ed Leach, Usdaw’s area organiser, said: “During the last fortnight we have called off strike action twice to allow for further talks and for the company to make an offer. The offer was put to a ballot which concluded today.

“We are disappointed that the company has indicated at this stage there will be no change to their position. If this is the case, then further stoppages will follow.”

Separately, potential strike action at GKN Birmingham moved a step closer as Unite members who work at the site were sent ballot papers.

The Chester Road factory is scheduled to close next year with the loss of 500 jobs.

Unite believes that GKN Melrose has benefitted from UK research grants and is claiming that these should be repaid if the manufacturing capability, and the majority of the financial benefit, is being offshored.

Unite national officer Des Quinn said: “In 2018, when Melrose purchased GKN, it promised not to asset strip the company but to create a UK manufacturing powerhouse. That promise now appears entirely hollow.

“An urgent inquiry is needed into how much money GKN Melrose has received from the government for research and development. If that money is not going to result in investment in manufacturing in the UK it should be paid back.”

If GKN workers approve action, a strike could begin in mid-September.