Heinz strike again

The Scrooge employers at Heinz really hated Christmas 2010. 1,200 employees at Kitt Green, Wigan held their third 24-hour stoppage over Christmas on 29 December, and each strike day means two million cans of beans don't get produced.

Paul Gerrard

Up to 100 pickets have braved freezing night-time temperatures, encouraged by local well-wishers who have brought mince pies and other Christmas fare to the picket lines.

This time strikers were heartened by a visit from Len McCluskey, newly elected general secretary of Unite, who attacked the 'turbo-charged profit margins' and 15% bonuses managers make, while workers are expected to take a pay cut. An already unacceptable offer has been withdrawn and last week's 'talks' have been described as a joke.

Unite convenor Ian Wright said: "Len's visit was the icing on the cake, we supported him in his campaign and we have voted for the right man."

A further 24-hour strike is taking place on 5 January but Ian warns: "we will have to take further and more intense action if meaningful talks don't resume soon."

Support and donations are warmly welcomed. Email support to wrightian5@sky.com, and contact Ian on 07716 375 488 for more information and to make a donation to the strike fund.

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