Quorn factory workers to strike over pay row

Quorn factory workers to strike over pay row
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Olivia  Capocci

By Olivia Capocci


Published: 18/10/2022

- 17:32

Updated: 18/10/2022

- 18:29

Workers at the Teesside Quorn factory will begin all-out strike action this week in a row over pay.

More than 60 staff members at the meat-free paste production plant in Billingham are to walk out from Thursday 20th October, the Unite union said.

The Quorn workers have already taken nine days of strike action in October over a 4 per cent pay offer, plus a one-off payment.


They’re seeking a 9 per cent pay rise – which was the RPI inflation rate in April, when negotiations began.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The offer put forward by Quorn is a real-terms pay cut and completely unacceptable to Unite.

“Quorn and Monde Nissin can absolutely afford to put forward a better offer to ensure these workers are paid fairly.

“Our members are determined that they will do just that and they have Unite’s total and unwavering support during these strikes.”

EMBARGOED TO 0001 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 23 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Zain Nutley-Stamford and Kate Egerton-King serving at Quorn's new 'SmugNuggs' pop-up, the UK's first meat-free 'chicken' nugget restaurant, which will be open to the public from Thursday to Saturday September 25, in Camden, London. Picture date: Wednesday September 22, 2021.
The Quorn workers have already taken nine days of strike action in October over a 4% pay offer, plus a one-off payment.
David Parry

Quorn Foods CEO Kevin Brennan (right) and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen (left) officially opened the world's biggest meat alternative production facility at Quorn Foods Belasis site in Billingham, in the North East, in 2018.
Quorn Foods CEO Kevin Brennan (right) and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen (left) officially opened the world's biggest meat alternative production facility at Quorn Foods Belasis site in Billingham, in the North East, in 2018.
Ian Hodgson

Striking workers include fermenter and chiller technicians, maintenance and laboratory staff, and effluent treatment plant staff. A Unite spokesman claimed the strikes are expected to lead to shortages of Quorn products in supermarkets.

A Quorn spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that further industrial action is planned for this week as we believe a 4% pay increase – worth over £2,000 per employee – plus a £1,000 bonus, is a fair and appropriate offer.

“We continue to hold discussions with our employees and their representatives with the aim of quickly reaching a resolution.

“We can confirm that during this industrial action, there has been no change to the high standards of health and safety at our Billingham manufacturing site, nor has there been any risk to the supply of Quorn to our customers.”

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