Workers at Pilgrim’s Food Masters have staged a protest outside the Houses of Parliament after facing threats of being sacked and reemployed on worse terms if they don’t accept new working conditions.
The supplier, who makes own-brand curries for major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s, is pressuring over 1,000 workers at its site in Southall (formerly named Noon) with the fire and rehire threat – which includes no paid breaks, reduced sick pay and the removal of Diwali holiday pay.
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, which bought the Kerry Food Group including Noon in June 2021, is estimated to be worth more than £4 billion worldwide.
The food company claims the cuts are needed to save cash, but has not provided any financial justification to support its proposed changes to employees’ terms and conditions.
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Pilgrim’s Food Masters also supplies Aldi and Morrisons with ready meals, and comes as Tesco has started to push price cuts on its suppliers.
Consulting with GMB Union, the workers from one of Britain’s biggest food suppliers took their protest to Parliament, claiming they face the sack if they do not accept losing paid breaks and reduced pay for sickness.
According to GMB Union, accounts show current president and chief executive Fabio Sandri’s remuneration was a staggering £6.5 million, which included a £700,000 salary and £1.2 million bonus.
On top of that, Mathew Galvanoni, chief financial officer at the company, reportedly received a remuneration package worth £1.5 million and included a £400,000 bonus on top of basic pay of £300,000.
“We should all be disgusted that there is a chief executive who is receiving a bonus of £1.2 million whilst deciding workers in the UK no longer deserve a paid break and need to work longer shifts,” GMB London region organiser, Perry Phillips said.
“Noons was a well-respected business that made a positive contribution to the local community.
“It is devastating for our members that this multi-billion-dollar company has come in and is treating them so badly.”
Phillips added: “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.”
However, an agreement has now been reached which both parties are now happy with, according to GMB Union.
A joint statement from Pilgrim’s Food Masters and the GMB Union reads: “Following productive discussions with the GMB Union regarding new T&Cs at our site in Southall we are pleased to have now reached a provisional agreement that both parties are happy with.
“We believe this is the best possible outcome that ensures we can protect jobs for our valued colleagues and sustain the business for the future. We will be working together over the next few days to outline our plans in more detail.”
