Long-serving factory workers facing £5,000 pay cut?

Long-serving workers at a Pontefract canning company say a planned pay restructuring could see them lose around £5,000 a year each in wages.

Employees at Cott Beverages Ltd have been told by management that a review in the pay scales is underway that will affect the 140 production staff.

But some at the factory say they will be unfairly penalised, particularly those at the top end of the scale - around 40 multi-skilled workers at the Bondgate depot - who are likely to face a huge pay cut.

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One worker, who did not want to be named, said: “People are angry and morale is really low at the moment because they just don’t listen to us.

“It’s like they’re just going through the motions.

“Some of these people have 15 or 16 years’ service and even those who will gain feet it’s unfair.

“If you calculate the money some workers could be gaining compared to those losing out, it does not add up.”

It is understood that the company, which cans soft drinks for supermarkets, will make a decision in the New Year.

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A spokesman for the company said: “We are currently in consultation with a number of employees at our factory in Pontefract.

“This process is intended to create consistency across our manufacturing and warehouse job roles so that those employed in similar roles across our business are paid fairly and appropriately.

“This is about fairness and is not a cost-saving exercise.

“We are currently in consultation with all employees involved, and for that reason, are unable to comment further.”

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