Workers making Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Pom‑Bears and Discos have voted to strike.
Dozens of staff at KP Snacks’ site in Billingham, Country Durham, voted to walk out in a dispute over additional duties imposed without extra pay or proper consultation.
Bosses have cut process workers in crisps and snacks to a single break per shift.
Workers have also raised concerns that operational changes have compromised safety, including leaving heat exchangers running during breaks without proper supervision.
GMB Union will now meet with members to discuss strike dates – any industrial action could disrupt the supply of popular snack brands, including Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Pom‑Bears and Discos.
Paul Clark, GMB Organiser, said:
“These workers are skilled, experienced and absolutely vital to keeping KP Snacks’ production lines running and supermarket shelves stocked.
“The company has unilaterally expanded their roles, increased their workload and expected them to take on additional responsibilities, all without offering a single penny more in pay.
“That simply isn’t fair and this is crunch time for KP Snacks.
“If the company wants to avoid empty shelves and disruption, it needs to return to the table with a serious offer that properly recognises the work these staff do.”
