You may have read the headlines on the BBC or in the papers on the “looming wine shortage” in supermarkets this summer, linked to strike action at the Encirc bottling plant in Avonmouth.
Over 200 members of Unite South West have been taking action with rolling strikes covering different shifts until Friday (4th) over pay and collective bargaining. There will also be a 12 week overtime ban as part of the action. As Unite have said: Encirc is a very profitable company, with a turnover of over £600 million. However, the firm has only offered its workers a 3.2 per cent pay rise without negotiating with Unite – the recognised union – and has now repeatedly stated from now on it will only give pay rises tied to inflation.
This effectively means removing Unite’s collective bargaining rights, as any pay increases will be set by Encirc without negotiations before being imposed on workers. Previously, the union had been able to negotiate with management on pay. Unite members at Encirc, overwhelmingly voted to take strike action.
Bristol Trades Council stands firmly with the workers at Encirc. We have contributed towards their hardship fund, and we encourage others to do the same.
Please support the hardship fund here:
Unity Trust Bank Details:
Account Name: SW/8220 Sort Code: 60-83-01 Account Number: 20280499
The picket can be found on Kings Weston Lane, Avonmouth.
Stop the greed. Fair pay now. Solidarity and power to the workers.
Bristol Trades Union Council 