Crisp shortage threat as workers vote to strike

Workers at KP who make McCoy's, Hula Hoops and Pom-Bear crisps have voted to strike

A union has said there could be a crisp shortage this Christmas as workers making Hula Hoops, McCoy's, Pom-Bear and Disco snacks voted to strike in a pay dispute.

The GMB union said almost 50 of its members working at KP Snacks' factory in Billingham, Teesside, had voted to take industrial action.

It claimed KP Snacks had imposed additional responsibilities on staff without increasing pay and that holiday requests have been halted while the company evaluated the potential impact of strike action.

A spokesperson for KP said: "Robust contingency plans are in place to minimise disruption and ensure continuity of supply."

The union said it is seeking legal advice on whether the company's decision on holidays is unlawful.

The BBC asked KP about this and the claims regarding additional responsibilities, but the company did not address either topic.

In a statement, the spokesperson said: "We are disappointed by the outcome of this ballot, which involves a small number of our colleagues at Teesside, and we remain in ongoing discussions with them and the GMB.

"We value the Teesside team and the important role they play in producing our products and remain committed to constructive dialogue to find a resolution."

GMB organiser Paul Clark said union members at KP help to keep "operations running smoothly and supermarket shelves stocked, yet they are being asked to do additional work for the same pay".

He said unless bosses "want to see the shelves empty this Christmas, it's time to get back round the table and sort this out".

In August workers declined a salary rise of 77p per hour but there was not enough support for strike action.