A potential tea shortage in the UK has been prevented through a new agreement.
- Tetley workers in Teeside, the sole producers of Tetley Tea for the UK, voted on a strike.
- The strike was initially called due to the rejection of a pay deal by nearly 200 GMB Union members.
- A revised pay offer, including a 7% increase backdated to April 2023, was accepted.
- The resolution impacts predominantly female, low-paid workers at Tata Consumer Products.
A looming tea shortage in the United Kingdom has been successfully averted following the acceptance of a new pay deal by workers at Tata Consumer Products in Teeside. These workers are the sole producers of Tetley Tea in the UK and had previously voted for strike action after rejecting an initial pay proposal from the company in July.
The strike vote was cast by almost 200 members of the GMB Union, highlighting the significance of the workers’ demands for better pay. The workers, described as ‘low-paid, predominantly women’, were seeking a fairer wage adjustment after experiencing years of real terms pay cuts.
After negotiating, the workers have agreed to accept a new offer, which provides a 7% pay rise. This increase will be backdated to 1 April 2023, providing immediate financial relief and support. GMB organiser Laura Maughan commended the workers for standing together to demand improved conditions. She stated, ‘After years of real terms pay cuts, these low-paid, predominantly women workers have stood together and demanded more – and they’ve got it.’
This agreement not only prevents disruption in the supply of tea but also supports the workforce in maintaining their livelihoods without the necessity to rely on food banks. Maughan further acknowledged the role of Tata Consumer Products in listening to its employees’ needs, while recognising that the journey towards pay justice continues for Tetley workers.
In a related development, Tesco is also facing potential strikes at one of its depots. Cleaning and catering staff, organised under Unite the Union, are protesting new contracts that do not include pay increases. These workers have planned several strikes, beginning with two 24-hour actions on 1 and 7 September, followed by three-day strikes set for 15 and 21 September.
The successful negotiation at Tetley represents a significant step towards fair employee compensation amidst broader industry unrest.
