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From The Socialist newspaper, 10 November 2021
Weetabix workers escalate action in crunch dispute
(Click to enlarge)
Workers at two Weetabix factories launched four-day strikes from 8 November in a dispute over pay and conditions.
Members of Unite in Kettering and Corby have been on strike every Tuesday and Wednesday since September over 'fire-and-rehire' imposed contract changes that could leave them up to £5,000 a year worse off.
In an escalation of the dispute, strikes are to take place every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
"Weetabix is making bumper profits, so there is no justification for these 'fire and rehire' attacks on our members' wages and conditions," Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, said. "They are just not swallowing what in reality is a serving of corporate greed.
"Unite will not accept attacks on our members' jobs, pay and conditions, and Weetabix should expect this dispute to continue escalating until fire and rehire is dropped."
About 80 engineers have been taking part in the Tuesday and Wednesday strike action since September at the Weetabix Mills factory in Burton Latimer and at its plant on the Earlstrees industrial estate in Corby. The two factories also produce Alpen, Weetos and Oatibix.
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In The Socialist 10 November 2021:
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Capitalism's COP26 failure: socialist planning vital
Thousands march in Glasgow and elsewhere to save the planet
Housing
Socialist planning to meet housing need
75 years after the first new town
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Council workers ballot on pay offer that's really a cut
Harsh Tory regime for benefit claimants and workers
Tories under pressure in bid to remove pension triple lock
What we think
Sleaze and pay a toxic mix for Tories
Socialism 2021
Why I'm coming to Socialism 2021
Workplace news
CWU conference debates political strategy
RMT AGM: Delegates focus on the looming battles
University workers vote for action in two disputes
Sheffield bin workers strike: "End rubbish pay!"
Support for all-out scaffs strike spreads
Weetabix workers escalate action in crunch dispute
International news
Portugal's government falls: Left must adopt a new course
Review
John Barnes on class and capitalism. What's missing?
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2021