The threat of 250 job losses at Heinz factories across the UK including Wigan has sparked fury among union Unite who has called for urgent talks after Wednesday’s ‘streamlining’ announcement.
Heinz currently employs 2,600 workers at its factories at Wigan, Hayes, Kendal, Telford, Westwick and Worcester.
The cuts would decrease their workforce by a staggering 10% which, according to Unite national officer for the food sector Rhys McCarthy, will be devastating for the UK and have a huge impact on Unite members and their families.
“A nearly 10% reduction in UK staff is savage, unnecessary and is putting profits before people,” Mr McCarthy said.
“Ruthless cost cutting to maximise returns is the hallmark of pirate privateers.”
Mr McCarthy said that the announcement has stemmed from when Heinz was bought out for £18billion at the beginning of the year by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital venture capitalists.
Mr McCarthy continued: “Also of concern is that Unite, which is recognised across Heinz’s sites in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, had to find out about this through the media and shows an enormous lack of respect for our members.
“We will be contacting the company to request urgent meetings and will make sure that proper consultation takes place to mitigate any potential job losses.”
Heinz said in a statement: “The difficult actions we are proposing to take will, if implemented, better position the company to support and fund our next chapter of growth while further strengthening our world-leading brands.
“Our new organisational structure will simplify, strengthen and leverage the company’s global scale, while enabling faster decision-making, increased accountability, and accelerated growth.”
Picture courtesy of Joe Philipson via Flickr, with thanks.
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