Lakeland Dairies says ‘business as usual’ as union warns strike could lead to UHT milk shortage
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A union has warned of a shortage of UHT milk in Northern Ireland shops due to strike action.
It's after Unite workers at Newtownards-based processor of UHT milk products, LE Pritchitt & Company Limited, have voted unanimously for strike action, having rejected a 6.2 per cent pay increase.
The company is owned by dairy giant Lakeland Dairies, which acquired the business in 2003. In a statement, a spokesperson for Lakeland Dairies said it would be “business as usual” and said they didn’t foresee any disruption to supply.
The workers will go on strike from Wednesday February 21 for a week, which they say will bring production at the factory to a standstill.
They've said Pritchitt's latest accounts have shown a 40% increase in revenues to £180.8 million from £129.3 million while pre-tax profits at the company went up 63 per cent from £1.36 million to £2.21 million.
Approximately 200 people are employed at the factory, who are seeking a "vastly improved" pay offer, the union said.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite members at Pritchitt fully deserve a decent pay deal. This company has enjoyed a huge increase in its turnover and profitability in the last year and it can well afford to pay its workers a fair pay increase.
“Unite does what it says on the trade union tin and always prioritises the jobs, pay and conditions of its members. The workers at Pritchitt will receive the union’s unfettered support.”
Unite regional officer Albert Hewitt said: “Strike action will result in an immediate shutdown in production at the site. The result will be an immediate impact on the availability of UHT milk products in local supermarkets.
“Management need to immediately return to the negotiating table and make an offer that meets our members’ legitimate pay expectations.”
The Lakeland Dairies spokesperson said: “Lakeland Dairies is aware of this matter and had invited staff representatives to a meeting prior to receiving notice of industrial action. We are hopeful that Lakeland Dairies and union representatives can reach an amicable solution to this matter as soon as possible.
“Lakeland Dairies has robust business continuity and processing plans in place to deal with any potential disruption. This is to ensure all high-quality milk is collected from our 3,200 farm families and processed to serve the needs of our customers with business-as-usual.”
