Pickle and vinegar shortages growing

Shortages of the UK’s most popular pickles and vinegars, including Branston Pickle, Sarsons Vinegar and Haywards Pickled Vegetables, will increase as Unite has announced further strike action as a result of the employer’s (Mizkan Euro) derisory pay offer.

The 50-plus workers, who are based at Mizkan Euro’s factory in Rochdale, will take fresh strike action for three days beginning on Wednesday, November 3 and ending on Saturday, November 5.

The workers took three days of strike action earlier this month (18-20 October) in response to the company offering the workers an increase of just five per cent, which is in reality a pay cut, with the actual inflation rate (RPI) now standing at 12.6 per cent.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Our members at Mizkan Euro are vital to the success of its brands such as Branston Pickle. The company can fully afford to pay its workers fairly but is avoiding doing so in order to boost its profits.

“It is totally unacceptable that Mizkan Euro thinks it can get away without paying its workers a decent pay increase. Our members will continue to receive Unite’s unswerving support.”

The workers are paid as little as £11.50 an hour.

Mizkan Euro is the European subsidiary of Mizkan Group, the largest sushi seasoning company in the world.

Unite regional officer Andrena Clarke added, “The initial strike action caused a substantial reduction in the production of key brands and the fresh strike action will increase shortages on supermarket shelves.

“Mizkan Euro should stop prevaricating and make its workers a fair pay offer.”

By Barckley Sumner