Employees at KP Snacks County Durham site vote for industrial action

Employees at KP Snacks site in Billingham, County Durham, UK, have voted to go on strike amid key concerns over pay and conditions, writes Neill Barston.

The business, which is behind household names including  Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Pom‑Bears and Discos have voted to take the industrial action over reported concerns surrounding working environments.

According to workers union, the GMB, bosses at the site had reportedly made cuts to workers conditions, with teams producing crisps and snacks now said to be operating with just a single break per shift.

Furthermore, as per union reports, workers have also raised concerns that operational changes have compromised safety, including leaving heat exchangers running during breaks without proper supervision.

In light of the vote, the union will now meet with members to discuss strike dates.

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.”