Greencore’s Hatfield site to be picketed after union snub

The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union (BFAWU) will launch a “full-blown campaign” outside the gates of Greencore’s Hatfield distribution centre, after the company rejected a bid to get the union recognised on site.

The two-week protest action has come after Greencore bypassed workers to unilaterally declare there was not sufficient interest in unionisation on site, according to the BFAWU.

Workers were not balloted or surveyed in advance of the decision.

Despite what it called a “detailed and helpful” presentation to the site’s area manager and HR representative, the company said it did “not have a sense that [its] workforce was seeking a unioned workplace”, an email seen by The Grocer said.

“They said no – our future says yes. The company has refused to recognise a trade union, even though workers were never asked whether they wanted one. Refusal doesn’t stop organising. It starts it,” said BFAWU regional officer George Atwall.

The BFAWU said the majority of drivers on site are unionised. It has also claimed some even face “discrimination” for organising their colleagues. Around 250 staff work at the distribution centre.

“We will take this further,” Atwall added.

“Greencore is a multinational company now, and its [people strategy] says ‘people [are] at the core’ of Greencore. But we don’t think that’s the case at all.”

A Greencore spokesman said: “Employee voice is central to how we operate at Greencore. 

“We actively listen to our colleagues through multiple channels, including recognising a number of trade unions across our footprint and through a well‑established network of site‑based employee forums and listening groups.

“We respect our colleagues’ right to union membership and are open to working with unions where colleagues feel that is in their best interests. However, we do not believe colleagues at Greencore Hatfield are seeking a unionised workplace and therefore are not looking to enter into a union agreement at this time. We remain committed to listening to our colleagues and responding to their views.”