GMB Scotland warn strike action at Falcon Foodservices is 'inevitable' amid pay row

A union has said strike action at a manufacturing company in Stirling is “inevitable” unless bosses offer a “significantly improved” pay offer.

GMB Scotland said workers at Falcon Foodservices are struggling amid the growing cost-of-living-crisis.

Bosses at the company, who manufacture professional cooking equipment, made an offer of 3% backdated to January and a further 3% from September until the end of 2023.

However the union stated the offer was “unacceptable” amid soaring inflation and energy bills.

In response, Falcon Foodservices staff supported strike action in a statutory ballot and the employer has been notified of a walkout between 00.01am on Monday July 25 and 23.59 on Friday July 29.

GMB Scotland added an indefinite overtime ban will also commence from Thursday July 14.

Dominic Pritchard, GMB Scotland organiser said: “Let’s be clear, this is a workforce that’s endured years of pay freezes and now the employer is offering a significant real-terms pay cut in the grip of the biggest cost-of-living crisis in forty years.

“It’s remarkable that management cannot understand the anger and worry of the workers, and with almost certain double-digit inflation and energy bills rising to over £3,000 as we head into winter, the outlook will be hugely challenging without a pay rise that confronts this.

“Unless we get an indication from management that they are prepared to recognise this and get back round the negotiating table with our workplace representatives, then industrial action affecting production and Falcon’s domestic and global customer base is inevitable.”