Delivery drivers at Hovis’ Avonmouth site in Bristol are set to strike in a dispute over pay, threatening bread shortages across the south west and west Midlands.
Around 60 Unite members will strike indefinitely from 24 September after rejecting a 3% pay rise, which the union said amounted to a “real terms pay cut”, with RPI currently standing at 3.4%.
Workers at Hovis’ Belfast depot, meanwhile, have been offered additional benefits on top of the 3% increase, including a commission of 2p per product for all items sold and a holiday premium rate of an additional 50% of the contracted basic hourly rate for those who work over five designated holidays, including Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. As such, the Bristol workers were seeking the same enhancements, said Unite.
Hovis’ Avonmouth site supplies supermarkets and other retail outlets in the south west and parts of the west Midlands with bread, burger buns and muffins.
“We know shoppers will be concerned to hear of bread shortages, but it is entirely the fault of Hovis who has come up with this half-baked pay offer,” said Unite regional officer John Sweeney.
“Our members believe the only action that will ensure the business gets back around the table and has meaningful dialogue is strike action. Hovis can prevent this disruption but that relies on it coming back to talks, with a meaningful offer.”
When approached by The Grocer, a Hovis Bakeries spokesperson said: “Pay negotiations for some of our employees at Avonmouth started back in April and since then we’ve discussed several possible solutions with union representatives.
“We’re disappointed that some of our employees are now planning on taking industrial action, especially given the well-publicised economic challenges facing the UK bakery sector as well as the important work that is underway to bring together Allied Bakeries with its recently acquired Hovis business.
“We believe the offer on the table is fair and responsible, amounting to a 3% salary increase for the year. We remain focused on reaching an agreement that works for everyone and negotiations continue with our employees and their union representatives.”
Associated British Foods completed its acquisition of Hovis in July, renaming itself Hovis Bakeries.
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