Sour taste at York sweet factory as workers prepare to strike

YORK confectionary manufacturers are set to down tools after failing to come to pay and working condition agreements with employer Tangerine.

Workers at Tangerine’s York factory have threatened to stage a four days of strikes this month in the dispute, starting tomorrow (8 November). Further action will be taken until at least 30 September unless further talks take place said union GMB.

The makers of Mint Humbugs, Barratt Sherbert Fountains, Butterkist Popcorn and Princess Marshmallows, Tangerine has been in dispute with its workers over a planned pay rise. GMB said the company had “begrudgingly” offered a 1% pay deal.

Staff were being balloted over an improved pay deal on Friday (4 November) of 1.25% with an extra 15 minute tea break.

Tangerine said they had already introduced the national living wage to the low paid workers.

It acquired the Monkhill Confectionery factory on Low Poppleton Lane in 2008 when it had 350 staff working on site. In 2011, US private equity firm Blackstone Group bought a major stake in the business. It has sites in Cleckheaton, Pontefract, York, Liverpool and Blackpool.

Ben Kirkham GMB Organiser said: “This is not about rejecting an outright 1% pay increase, this is about GMB members rebuilding their terms and conditions. We have witnessed a long list of attacks on paid breaks and hand washing time, reduced, pension contributions reduced and provider changed, training money and bonus payments pulled – the list really is endless.”

“GMB members feel that they have been backed into a corner and are faced with no other option than to strike and I really must stress that this is the last resort for our members. As Christmas approaches, we’re saying ‘bah humbug’ to this scrooge employer.”

Tangerine have been contacted for comment.