The message to milk buyers and retailers today is that the Great Milk Robbery is unfinished business.Meat plant staff threaten Christmas walk-out
MEAT plants could be hit by strikes in the run-up to Christmas following a row over union recognition at one of the biggest suppliers of vets to the Meat Hygiene Service.
Vets employed by Grants Veterinary Services, who work in abattoirs across the UK, maintaining animal welfare and ensuring meat is safe to eat, are threatening to walk out unless their employers recognise the public sector trade union UNISON, of which more than 70 per cent of staff are members.
They have also called on the company, which employs around 150 vets – some 25 per cent of the total vets in the industry - to put a stop to plans to cut pay, terms and conditions, as well as imposing a new contract onto the vets.
The stoppages could affect meat production in the run-up to the busy Christmas period.
The union has urged MPs to sign up to an early day motion supporting the vets, tabled last Thursday (October 29).
Chris Jenkinson, UNISON regional organiser, said: “Unless Grants agree to give their staff a voice, they are running the risk of strikes hitting meat plants in the run-up to Christmas. We are urging them to reconsider their plans, and get around the negotiating table.”
The strike ballot will close on November 20, 2009.
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