Bakery workers to strike as talks fail

More than 150 bakery workers in the Black Country today looked set to strike after talks stalled. The firm had hoped that staff would accept a new pay and conditions offer.

Bosses at Maple Leaf Bakery in Walsall said they were disappointed after 91 per cent of employees opted for industrial action, snubbing a new deal.

The Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union had recommended workers to accept the offer. But the union's regional officer John Higgins said a number of issues had prevented a resolution to the dispute.

"The sticking point was breaks and flexibility," he said.

"Under the terms of what was being offered, the company would be able to send employees home before the end of their shift, if there was no work left."

He said he had served seven-day notice of a walk-out at the bakery, in Raleigh Road, Birchills, which makes Harvestime bread, but said further talks were scheduled.

"I'm attending a branch meeting on Saturday and a meeting with management on Monday," he said.

"It doesn't look like an agreement will be reached just yet though."

The dispute has been rumbling on for more than two months, when many of the 200 employees refused to sign new contracts they said reduced pay, holiday and overtime.

A two-day walk-out had been planned last month but was halted at the last minute.

Human resources director at Maple Leaf, Bob Archer, said: "The company is disappointed that its employees rejected an improved offer, which was recommended by their trade union.

"We are continuing to engage with the trade union however, and further meetings are planned."

It comes after 14 jobs were axed at West Bromwich-based Allied Bakeries, which makes Kingsmill bread. The staff are being made redundant at the factory in Birmingham Road.

The cuts are part of the company's plans to "improve efficiency" a spokesman said, and come after a consultation period.