Bosses at the factory that produce Jacob’s Cream Crackers and Twiglets have delivered an increased pay deal for staff after the threat of a “permanent” strike.
More than 750 workers returned to work at the iconic cracker brand’s factory in Aintree on Thursday, having won a 6.5% pay increase with a £500 bonus payment on top, and a further £250 bonus to follow in January next year.
The deal comes after ongoing strikes started in September by workers belonging to general trade union the GMB union, after they were offered a pay rise of 4.25%, which fell short of the initial demand of 10% – due to inflation.
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Workers were striking for 11 weeks in total, but moved to a “permanent strike” last month over what they said was a “real-terms pay cut.”
The dispute threatened the Aintree site, the primary facility for its products in the UK, and has been operating for more than 100 years as it was the first Jacob’s factory to be built in England.
Pladis, the owner of Jacob’s and Twiglets, temporarily shifted some production to Portugal to ensure a steady flow of supplies in the run-up to Christmas.
“These workers have stuck together and secured a decent pay offer through their commitment,” GMB organiser, Lisa Ryan said.
She added: “They needed something to help them during the cost of living crisis. We’re glad the company have finally listened to their hard-pressed staff.
“Every penny earned here is down to these workers. All they wanted was their fair share.”
The news comes as over 700 workers at a factory which makes own-brand products for supermarket giants Tesco, Sainsbury’s Morrisons, and M&S are set to strike for five weeks in a dispute over pay.
