Zarah ChoudharyAlmost 150 employees of Tata Consumer Products, which manufactures Tetley Tea in Teesside, walked out today (4th October) in a strike over what trade union GMB referred to as poverty pay.
GMB stated that tensions between striking staff and bosses were exacerbated when police were called during previous industrial action, due to strikers being deemed ‘intimidating’.
The previous strikes took place on 20th and 23rd September.
Police took no action at that time, but Tata Consumer Products has since pursued an injunction against GMB members for trespass.
Paul Clark, organiser at GMB, said: “These women work their fingers to the bone for this company, providing the UK with its favourite cup of tea.
“But they’re paid a pittance and it is just not right.
“Not only that, but now bosses are trying to sue them for exercising their legal right to strike.
“Tata bosses need to be clear; these women will not be intimidated and will not back down until they’ve won a pay rise that allows them a decent standard of living.”
Tata Consumer Products said it had made two pay offers that had not been accepted by striking employees.
GMB stated that further strikes will be scheduled for 10th October.
A spokesperson for Tata Consumer Products said: “We are not immune to the difficult economic circumstances facing families and businesses, but we do believe the pay award offers made by us to be fair.
“We are urging the unions to reconsider their position and present the two offers on the table for consideration by members so that we can reach a swift resolution in line with what’s reasonably affordable to the business, and in the best interests of the factory.
“From discussions we are aware that the majority of members do not want to harm the business and would welcome the opportunity to consider the offers on the table which are yet to be shared with them.
“Contingency plans have been executed to enable production to continue with minimum disruption to supply, so we can ensure that Tetley is available for the millions of consumers who enjoy it.
“As a business we always seek to do the right thing, but we must act fairly and responsibly.
“We are committed to our UK manufacturing base and are continuing to invest to expand its capabilities and further our sustainability agenda.
“We must work however to remain competitive to support the best interests of the factory and our aspirations to grow our tea presence in the UK and overseas.
“We have always had a good and open relationship with our unions and are fully supportive of their right to strike.”
In response to the suggestion by GMB that the firm had taken action to sue striking employees, Tata’s spokesperson said: “Above all, our priority is for the safety and wellbeing of our employees and any behaviour which contravenes strike rules or threatens the wellbeing of employees will not be tolerated.
“In response to incidents on the first day of action, Tata Consumer Products took steps to address the actions of the GMB by applying for an injunction related to trespass.
“Subsequent to this, the court issued an Order of Undertakings to the GMB which provides ground rules of conduct regarding use of Tata Consumer Products land and behaviour of those taking strike action on strike days.
“These ground rules are enforceable by law.
“We are grateful for the acceptance and cooperation of the Union in this matter.”
