Future of Twiglets threatened as factory staff in Liverpool launch strike action

Twiglets are under threat after hundreds of factory workers launched permanent strike action.

The GMB union said that more than 750 staff at the Jacob’s Cream Crackers plant in Liverpool had launched the protest in a bid to improve pay conditions.

Workers at the factory, which also produces Club bars and Mini Cheddars, were said to be seeking a pay rise in line with inflation to help them navigate the cost of living crisis.

A spokesperson for the union claimed that owner factory Pladis had walked away from talks and looked to “undermine” the workforce on Merseyside.

Unite national officer Eamon O’Hearn said: “These workers are rightly angry – they put themselves on the line to keep the company going during the pandemic.

“Now they need some help to get them through the cost-of-living crisis, but it’s falling on deaf ears.

“Jacob’s workers will now be on strike 24 hours a day, seven days a week until the company comes back to the negotiating table.”

A Pladis spokesperson said: “We regret that the GMB has decided to take this course of action, despite all of the efforts we have made to reach an agreement with the union.

“However, we want to reiterate that our door remains open to the GMB for further discussions with their representatives.”