Socialist Party Wales Socialism In Wales
By Dave Reid
Unite members at Princes factory in Cardiff took their second round of
industrial action against the attempt of the company’s new owners, Newlat, to
renege on a pay offer of 4.5% and impose a 3% pay deal that does not begin
to address the losses of workers from increases in the cost of living. While
food companies like Princes have increased their prices by up to 20% over the
last three years their workers are being given 3% without any negotiation at
all – the company even refuses take the dispute to ACAS.
Last week Cardiff workers were joined in strike action by workers at the
Princes plants in Bradford, Glasgow, Long Sutton and Wisbech as the dispute
spreads. GMB and USDAW are balloting at some of the plants too. With the
threat to production of Branston and Cross and Blackwell products this this
really is a ‘spreading’ strike.
“Its not just about 1.5%” Jason said on a freezing Cardiff picket line “we’ve
got to think what will happen next year too. If they get away with this then
they’ll try another low offer”.
Newlat bought Princes from Mitsibishi last year. The company says it cannot
afford more the 4.5% offered to workers by the previous Mitsibishi owners but
then boasted to investors of a big increase in profits. Its website says: “The
combined ‘New Princes Group’ will have a turnover of €2.8 billion, a global
network of 31 plants, 8,800 employees, and over 30 brands.”
Unite believes that the company is hoping to drive down wages to fund the
purchase of the company. Unite national officer for food, drink and
agriculture, Paul Travers, said: “Newlat borrowed huge sums of money to buy
Princes and is now looking to cut corners and penny pinch to pay that money
back. Unite won’t let them do so with our members’ livelihoods.” Workers will
not accept paying for the sale of their own workplaces.
Despite the polar weather union members from eight union branches and
Cardiff Socialist Party mobilised by Cardiff Trades Council have been warmly
welcomed as they joined the picket line bringing solidarity and support.
New action is planned at the five plants for another two days starting on
January 28 and if necessary for other strike days until they win a decent rise
of at least 4.5%.
