The GMB Union announced on Thursday (November 9) that more than a dozen staff at Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate are set to take strike action from the confectionery giant’s site in Worksop, Nottinghamshire amid a dispute over pay.
An exact date is yet to be revealed for the strikes but GMB said on Thursday the walkout would take place in the “coming days”.
The walkout comes after 100% of workers balloted voted to back strike action.
BREAKING 🚨: Festive Ferrero Rocher shortage at risk after workers voted to strike 🍫
Workers rejected a real terms pay cut 👏
— GMB Union (@GMB_union) November 9, 2023
Strike action could cause Ferrero Rocher shortage this Christmas
Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of cocoa products to the confectionary industry, including to the manufacturers of Ferrero Rocher.
GMB organiser, Cameron Mitchell, said the planned strike action could lead to a shortage of Ferrero Rocher chocolates this Christmas which would be “devastating”.
Mr Mitchell said: “The spectre of Christmas without this beloved yuletide treat would be devastating.
“That’s exactly what’s on the cards if company bosses don’t act urgently to avoid strike action.
“Workers aren’t demanding gold-wrapped pay-outs, instead they’re asking for a pay packet that covers the bills.
“We urge company top brass to urgently back around the table with a fair offer for our members.”
The pay dispute comes as Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate workers rejected a real-term pay cut.
News of a walkout by Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate workers comes just days after GMB revealed Amazon workers would be taking four days of strike action in November – one of which is Black Friday (November 24).
Cargill reassures Brits there won’t be a Ferrero Rocher shortage this Christmas
Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate said despite the proposed strike action they did not anticipate a Ferrero Rocher shortage this Christmas.
A Cargill spokesperson said: “The GMB union at our Worksop facility in Nottinghamshire has taken a vote to confirm their intent to strike.
“At this time, however, employees are not on strike–operations continue as usual and employees are on the job.
“Cargill has contingency plans in place to continue providing chocolate to our customers if a strike does occur.
“We do not currently have, nor do we anticipate, a chocolate shortage or adverse supply chain impact to any of our customers.”
In terms of the pay negotiations, the spokesperson added: “We can confirm Cargill has made a market competitive offer of a 5.5% increase, as well as an £1,400 one-time bonus payment, as we greatly value our employees and the work they do.
“Twelve of our 34 employees at Worksop belong to the GMB union and we hope we can come to a collaborative agreement.”
