A food company that supplies meats and ready meals to the likes of Sainsbury’s and Tesco is threatening up to 1,000 workers with fire and rehire policies.
Pligrim’s Food Masters, a subsidiary of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, is said to be firing and re-hiring employees on worse terms and conditions at the site in Southall.
The company also supplies Waitrose, Aldi and Morrisons with Richmond Sausages and store-branded curries.
Updated terms include no paid breaks, reduced sick pay and the removal of Diwali holiday pay, according to the GMB Union.
The cuts are needed at the site, which used to be a Noon’s facility, to save cash, although the union said no financial justification has been provided to support the changes.
GMB Union said Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, the US-listed company which bought the Kerry Food Group, is estimated to be worth £4bn.
Accounts also show that president and chief executive Fabio Sandri made £6.5mln in remuneration, which included a £700,000 salary and £1.2mln bonus in 2021.
“We should all be disgusted that there is a Chief Executive who is receiving a bonus of £1.2mln whilst deciding workers in the UK no longer deserve a paid break and need to work longer shifts,” said Perry Phillips, GMB London region organiser.
“GMB met with supermarket clients who clearly believe in investing and valuing their staff and are willing to support GMB’s call for Pilgrims to comply with the Ethical Trading Initiative codes of practice.”