“Serious concerns” over merger

Unite has raised concerns over the merger of two of the UKs largest convenience food manufacturers, and the impact it could have on workers and consumers.

The merger of Greencore and Bakkavor is being described in food sector media as a “convenience food behemoth” with a joint turnover of around £4 billion that would employ around 30,500 workers.

Unite has called for urgent meetings with Bakkavor and Greencore, and that the companies are transparent about what the merger will mean for members working for the food manufacturers across the UK.

Unite national officer for food Bev Clarkson said: “Unite has serious concerns about a merger of Greencore and Bakkavor food manufacturing companies.

“Both have a history of paying poverty wages to employees and less competition in the marketplace is likely to lead to long term wage stagnation and potential redundancies.

“It is also bad news for consumers as, at a time when prices are already rising, fewer competitors in the market will likely lead to faster price rises.

“Unite is calling for an urgent meeting with both companies’ management teams to address these issues and we will be supporting our members throughout this process.”

Only recently Unite members ended a long-running strike with Bakkavor at its Spalding factory over pay, a dispute that saw hundreds of local people march in support of poorly paid food workers.  

In 2023 Greencore workers producing sandwiches for supermarkets had to threaten strike action to gain a decent pay rise from the company, finally receiving a substantial pay award  after a Unite campaign.

By Keith Hatch