Britain’s beloved lunchtime snacks could soon disappear from store shelves temporarily as workers at KP Snacks prepare for a potential strike. Products like Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Pom-Bears, and Discos are at risk of being in short suuply after employees at the company’s Billingham factory in County Durham voted to take industrial action. The dispute arose after staff claimed they were being required to take on extra tasks without additional pay.
Union leaders say tensions have escalated at the Teesside site, where the company has reportedly increased workloads and expanded staff responsibilities without agreement. Employees are also upset that process workers now only get a single rest break per shift. Safety concerns have also been raised during the dispute. Workers have highlighted operational changes they believe could endanger staff, such as leaving heat exchangers running during breaks without proper supervision.
The GMB Union will meet with members to decide on specific strike dates, which could bring production to a standstill.
Paul Clark, GMB Organiser, said: « These workers are skilled, experienced and absolutely vital to keeping KP Snacks’ production lines running and supermarket shelves stocked.
« The company has unilaterally expanded their roles, increased their workload and expected them to take on additional responsibilities, all without offering a single penny more in pay.
« That simply isn’t fair and this is crunch time for KP Snacks.
« If the company wants to avoid empty shelves and disruption, it needs to return to the table with a serious offer that properly recognises the work these staff do. »
KP Snacks responded by saying they have contingency plans to maintain supply.
A company spokesperson said: « We are aware a small number of GMB-represented colleagues at our Teesside site have begun action short of strike.
« We value our Teesside team and the important contribution they make, and we remain committed to working constructively with them and the GMB to reach a resolution.
« Discussions are ongoing, and we continue to encourage open and constructive dialogue to address the concerns raised.
« In the meantime, we have robust contingency plans in place to minimise any potential disruption and to ensure continuity of supply for our customers. »
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