The first-ever strike by workers at Tetley’s tea factory has ignited concerns about a potential tea shortage in the UK.
Nearly 150 members of the GMB union, employed by Tata Consumer Products at their Teesside facility, have voted to walk out in protest against what they describe as “poverty pay”.
The industrial action is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 20, and Monday, September 23, 2024.
This unprecedented move by the predominantly female workforce comes after years of enduring real-terms pay cuts.
The strike has not only highlighted the ongoing dispute between workers and management but also raised questions about the potential impact on tea supplies for British consumers in the coming months.
Paul Clark, GMB Organiser, said: “This loyal, predominately female workforce has endured year after year of real terms pay cuts. Now they have had enough.
“GMB members are being intimidated by management not to go on strike – they trying to bully workers rather than listen to their concerns and try to find a solution.
“Tata bosses need to get back round the table, or we face a shortage of the UK’s favourite cup of tea this autumn.”
