Worried McCain workers have told of their anguish after the company revealed plans to axe up to 120 jobs at its Wombourne chip factory.
Staff were left stunned after being told on Monday that French fry production at the factory, which employs 240 people, was set to be moved to another site in the UK.
A union official today described the bombshell as a huge blow and said staff were told it was sparked by mounting pressure on the frozen food giant by people living near the plant.
Fumes coming from the factory as well as heavy traffic have been long complained about. A 90-day consultation period into the job cuts will start next week.
One worker told the Express & Star: “It has come out of the blue. It’s worrying. We are waiting to hear what is going to happen.”
Another said many were upset at the prospect of being unemployed around Christmas, adding: “Apparently there is another meeting to take place but everyone is really worried.”
Unite union spokesman Steve Dawson said: “The employees were informed on Monday at a meeting at the Civic Centre that McCain plans to cut 120 jobs, which is half their workforce.
“We understand that pressure mounted on the company due to concern about the fumes emanating from the site and the impact of heavy traffic. No doubt it is a blow to the workers and the community. The union plans to meet with the company as soon as we can.”
Residents have complained about noise and traffic at the Heath Mill Road site. Protesters have compared a “whirring, penetrating” noise coming the factory to the Blitz.
McCain say French fry production at the site is no longer economically viable, despite millions of pounds of investments, because of the environmental constraints in the area.
But company bosses have moved to reassure workers they are still committed to the future of the plant.
If the changes go through, officials say the site would shift focus to the preparation of other potato foods.
The 90-day consultation period starts on August 30.
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