Union GMB is planning to stage a series of protests outside supermarket chains Lidl and Morrisons, over a dispute at Warburtons-owned supplier Giles Foods.
The union said the dispute with Giles Foods, owned by Warburtons, was related to breaks and lunchtimes being reduced, because staff now have to change in and out of work overalls in their own time.
The GMB said that crowded changing facilities and the position of the clocking machine meant the length of lunch breaks was significantly shortened.
Giles Foods is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warburtons, and manufactures Chelsea buns, croissants and other speciality baked goods, sold as own-label by Morrisons and Lidl.
The first protest is set to take place on 10 May at the Lidl store on Barnfield Road, Swindon.
On 17 March, GMB members at Giles Food presented the management with a collective grievance signed by the affected staff. The dispute has also escalated, as GMB members presented a further petition to the management concerning the suspension of a shop steward.
Looking into it
When British Baker approached Morrisons, it did not want to comment. Lidl said it would be looking into it.
Earlier this month, British Baker reported that Ginsters’ manufacturer Samworth Brothers remains embroiled in controversy surrounding alleged cuts to pay and conditions, which have been made in a bid to offset the impact of the National Living Wage.
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