Strike at wine bottling firm 'could risk supplies'

More than 200 workers at a glass filling and distribution company are to go on strike in a dispute over pay.

The employees of Encirc helped to bottle wines and supplied most major supermarkets. The union Unite said there was "no doubt" the move would affect supplies across the summer.

The company has offered its workers a 3.2% pay rise and wanted to link further increases to inflation. Unite claimed the firm did not negotiate the rise with them, and had therefore removed its collective bargaining ability.

Encirc said it was "disappointed" by the action and added that if the rise was accepted, it would mean the firm had increased wages by 16% in less than two years.

The union said its strikes would take place between 19 June and 5 July, with a 12-week overtime ban as part of the action.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: "Encirc's meanness to its workers is all about greed and not need.

"This is a very lucrative company that can fully afford to pay its workers properly but it is choosing not to.

"Unite will not stand idly by and allow Encric to steal our members' hard won rights.

"Encirc workers deserve better and they have Unite's full support throughout this dispute."

Workers, Unite said, would also take staggered action across the business with some taking action on different days to others.

John Sweeney, Unite regional officer, said: "There is no doubt that this action will hit supermarket shelves.

"While shortages may be frustrating for customers looking to enjoy a bottle of wine this summer, the situation is entirely of Encirc's own making.

"Management has constantly refused to engage meaningfully.

"Encirc needs to return to the negotiating table with a vastly improved offer."

A spokesperson for Encirc said: "Our final offer includes a cost-of-living increase and pension contribution improvements.

"As a company we are resolute in our efforts to remain competitive whilst doing the best for our people, and we firmly believe that our offer was fair and proportionate.

"As such, at a time when we are already facing so many challenges, and need certainty for our customer base, this really is unexpected.

"Nevertheless, we will mitigate any impact this action could have, and we remain open to dialogue with the union in good faith."

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