Arla Foods decision makers swerve meeting over factory closure, says GMB

Arla Foods decision makers today swerved a crucial meeting over the proposed closure of their Settle factory.

GMB Union met with the company today in the first formal consultation over plans to move production to the company’s site in Lockerbie, Scotland at a cost of 130 jobs.

However, key decision-makers from Arla were absent, meaning critical questions about GMB’s alternative business case went unanswered..

The union has called on Arla bosses to engage properly with the process.

Deanne Ferguson, regional organiser at GMB, said: “Many livelihoods are at stake and the Settle community is on the brink of devastation if Arla workers lose their jobs.

“But the company doesn’t seem to be taking it seriously.

“GMB is committed to finding a solution; we’ve worked with key stakeholders and presented a viable alternative business case to keep the site open.

“We now expect Arla to show the same level of commitment by ensuring decision-makers are in the room with us, so we can have a meaningful consultation.”

A spokesperson for Arla commented: “Throughout the consultation process, it will always be our priority to fully support our colleagues affected by the proposals.

“The collective consultation meetings follow a standardised process in which senior representatives from the site discuss the proposals and provide feedback.

“We have procedures in place to ensure that all questions and alternative proposals are considered in a meaningful way.

“We will continue to fully engage with the GMB and employee representatives throughout the process.”