Strikes due to begin tomorrow (Wednesday 23rd June) at cereal maker Weetabix have been suspended following talks between Unite the union and management at the company.
Engineers employed by Weetabix and who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, were preparing to take strike action in a fire and rehire dispute, which would have resulted in the affected workers suffering substantial pay cuts.
As a result of talks held today (Tuesday 22nd June) Unite agreed to suspend strike action that was scheduled every Wednesday from tomorrow until September. In response Weetabix has agreed not to make any changes to the engineer’s contracts until at least 1st September.
The move to deescalate the strike action is designed to allow meaningful negotiations to take place.
Unite regional officer, Sean Kettle, said: “Following constructive talks with Weetabix today Unite has agreed to suspend the strike action which was due to begin tomorrow.
“The decision to suspend the strikes was in response to Weetabix agreeing to postpone the proposed implementation of the contract changes for our members.
“It is hoped that fresh negotiations will allow a deal to be reached that will be acceptable to our members.”
Unite national officer for food, Joe Clarke, said: “Constructive and meaningful discussions were held with Weetabix today and as a result it was agreed to suspend the strike action to allow for further dialogue and create the necessary space for both sides to seek a resolution.”
If the planned negotiations do not lead to a satisfactory resolution of the dispute then renewed strike action could be called later this summer or early this autumn.