Bah humbug! A sweet shortage is looming this Christmas as workers at one of Britain's biggest confectionery makers strike over 'Scrooge' pay offer
- Workers at the Tangerine factory in York will strike following 'derisory' pay deal
- Sweets including Mint Humbugs and Butterkist Popcorn are made in the factory
- The GMB union said workers are saying 'bah humbug' to the 'Scrooge employer'
Traditional British sweets could be in short supply this Christmas after staff at the factory where they are made walked out over a 'Scrooge' pay offer.
Workers at the Tangerine factory in York, who make Butterkist Popcorn and Mint Humbugs, are set to continue to strike following a 'derisory' pay deal.
Staff at the factory have already taken part in 24-hour strikes on November 23 and 30, December 1 and December 3.
The GMB union, which is backing the walk out, said further strike action at the factory is 'inevitable'.
Workers at the Tangerine factory in York, who make Butterkist Popcorn and Mint Humbugs (pictured), are set to continue to strike following a 'derisory' pay deal
Workers inside the factory make Butterkist popcorn (left) and Princess Marshmallows (right)
Workers at the Tangerine factory in York (pictured) have already been involved in strikes
Ben Kirkham, a GMB official, said that the members feel like they have been 'backed into a corner' and that they are saying 'bah humbug' to this 'Scrooge employer'.
Picketers - who also make Barratt Sherbet Fountains and Princess Marshmallows - claim they were victims of provocation and threatening behaviour.
They also said they were even told they would face action for unauthorised absence.
The workers have been told that unless they accept Tangerine's offer of a pay increase of 1.25 per cent by Friday the deal will be withdrawn completely.
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Mr Kirkham said: 'I am disappointed with the absence of any proper dialogue from Tangerine, and management's actions towards our members.
'These threats are unacceptable and the pay offer is derisory, but GMB members have maintained their dignity whilst facing continued provocation to their job security.
'This clearly undermines the relationship Tangerine has with its workers and shows the dispute is justified - we have to face up to bullying employers.
'The cost of living in York is at its highest in the region, however workers at Tangerine are paid on average £4,000 less a year now than 10 years ago.
Tangerine owns brands such as Butterkist popcorn and the iconic Barratt Sherbet Fountain (pictured)
Another famous British sweet which is made inside the factory is Dip Dabs (pictured)
'Private renting costs, increase in fuel rates, increase in the weekly shop, the workers just cannot afford to keep taking the hits anymore and this is shown in the strength of picket in week 6 of industrial action.
'Now Tangerine will have to deal with further strikes in the run up to Christmas - their busiest time of the year.'
He previously said: 'GMB members feel that they have been backed in to a corner and are faced with no other option than to strike and I really must stress that this is the last resort for our members.
'As Christmas approaches, we're saying "bah humbug" to this Scrooge employer.'
A spokesman for Tangerine said they were 'surprised' by the industrial action and added the company had invested £8million at the York site.
Tangerine, whose HQ is in Blackpool, is the UK's largest independent manufacturer of sugar confectionery and popcorn.
It owns brands such as Butterkist popcorn, the iconic Barratt Sherbet Fountain and Dip Dabs, Henry Goode's soft eating liquorice and Princess Marshmallows.
Between 2006 and 2011 it increased turnover from £40m to £160m and its workforce trebled to 1,350 people.
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