Nestle strike threat comes step closer

The threat of industrial action by thousands of workers at chocolate giant Nestle is set to come a step closer, with union leaders expecting strong support for a strike ballot, it was disclosed today.

Officials said there was a “very strong feeling” that a consultative ballot on action in protest at a pay freeze would receive huge backing.

The ballot of up to 3,000 workers at Nestle sites across the UK would lead to a formal vote for strikes being held, raising the prospect of walkouts after the general election.

Jennie Formby, national officer of Unite, said the company had blamed the state of the economy for the wage freeze, but described this as “complete nonsense”.

She said today: “Confectionery is recession-resistant and Nestle is doing extremely well. Its profits have increased substantially, but it is now attacking collective bargaining and exploiting its workers.

“We are clear there will be a very strong yes vote in the ballot. Nestle is not an employer in trouble – the billions given to shareholders demonstrates they have the cash and our members deserve a pay increase.”

Nestle said in an internal bulletin that it faced “significant” challenges which showed no signs of decreasing, adding that the recession was “fundamentally changing” consumer behaviour.

The firm said it was not realistic for local pay negotiations this year, although it stressed it did not compromise its commitment to local pay bargaining.

The result of the consultative ballot is due by the end of the month.