Following a dispute over pay, workers at Mizkan Euro in Middleton, Rochdale, have announced strike action that the trade union Unite claims could create a shortage of pickles and vinegar within the UK.
Mizkan Euro is the European subsidiary of Mizkan Group, a large sushi seasoning company. The Mizkan Euro factory in Middleton produces well-known brands including Branston Pickle, Sarsons Vinegar and Haywards Pickled Vegetables.
The union said that the 50-plus workers taking strike action are also members of Unite. The workers recorded an 81 per cent vote in favour of strike action, after rejecting a pay increase by the company of five per cent.
The initial strike action will begin at 06:00am on Tuesday 18th October and ends at 05:59am on Thursday 20th October. Further industrial action has reportedly been scheduled for Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th October, according to the union.
Paul Tirebuck, HR director at Mizkan Euro commented: “With rising costs of raw materials, transport and energy we have, in the circumstances, made what we believe to be a reasonable pay offer. We are committed to constructively resolving this situation. We do not anticipate any disruption to supply to retailers or our consumers.”
