A surprising crisis has hit the UK’s supermarket shelves, with a national shortage of taramasalata due to ongoing strikes at Bakkavor, a major food producer.

The dip, made from cod roe, is unavailable at major retailers like Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, and Tesco.

Bakkavor, responsible for producing numerous ready-made food items, has been impacted by a pay dispute that led to hundreds of employees walking out in protest.

Shoppers are now finding shelves bare, with further shortages predicted by Unite, the union representing many of the striking workers.

Impact on Supermarkets and Shopper Frustration

As the strike continues, supermarkets across the UK are struggling to keep stock of their own-brand taramasalata.

Many customers have taken to social media to voice their frustration, with one user even jokingly offering to auction off a rare find of the dip.

The shortage has left shoppers wondering when their favorite items will be available again, with some resorting to purchasing from restaurants to satisfy cravings.

The Workers’ Perspective: Pay Dispute and Corporate Greed Claims

Unite union representatives argue that Bakkavor’s workers are fighting against what they see as corporate greed.

According to Unite regional officer Sam Hennessy, the company has the power to resolve the situation by offering a fair pay increase, which has become essential as the cost of living rises.

Workers claim their pay has not kept up with inflation, decreasing in real terms by over 10% in recent years.

The union is seeking a modest pay raise, which they say would represent only a small fraction of Bakkavor’s profits.

Bakkavor’s Response and Measures to Meet Demand

Bakkavor disputes Unite’s claims, stating that only 450 employees out of a workforce of 1,400 at the Spalding facility are on strike.

The company insists that only taramasalata and soup production are impacted, while other product lines remain unaffected.

They are increasing production at other facilities to meet demand, aiming to have taramasalata back on shelves by next week.

However, the strike’s effect on Bakkavor’s operations has sparked widespread public and media attention.

Products Affected and Bakkavor’s Broad Production Range

The Bakkavor facility in Spalding produces a wide range of items, from pasta sauces and salads to various dips.

Below are some of the popular products from Bakkavor’s lineup across different supermarkets:

Tesco: Wraps, salads, dips, and salad dressings.
Sainsbury’s: Cous cous salads, bean salads, and salad dressings.
Waitrose: Pasta sauces, including carbonara and chargrilled vegetable sauce.
Marks & Spencer (M&S): Various dips, taramasalata, and a variety of pasta sauces.
Co-op: Caesar, French, garlic & herb, and balsamic salad dressings.

Despite Bakkavor’s assurance that the shortage is limited, taramasalata and certain soup varieties have been hard to find, with shoppers taking to social media to discuss the shortage.

Union’s Strategy: Taking the Fight to Iceland

In a surprising move, Unite’s efforts have extended internationally, with representatives traveling to Iceland to stage protests outside the homes of Bakkavor’s largest shareholders, Agust and Lydur Gudmundsson.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has highlighted that the company’s profits suggest they could provide fair wages, criticizing Bakkavor for prioritizing shareholder payouts over worker pay increases.

The union continues to advocate for higher wages and improved working conditions, asserting that employees should not have to work under financial strain.

Bakkavor’s Counter-Offer and Ongoing Negotiations

Bakkavor has made attempts to address the issue with a proposed pay increase and a £350 bonus for staff.

The company states that pay at the Spalding facility has risen by 22.8% for the lowest-paid workers over the last three years, a figure they claim outpaces inflation.

However, Unite has dismissed the offer, describing it as insufficient in light of rising living costs.

Bakkavor Chief People Officer Donna-Marie Lee voiced disappointment in the union’s continued stance, pointing out that discussions have been ongoing since the strike began six weeks ago.

A Broader Context: Managing Business in Difficult Times

Bakkavor CEO Mike Edwards has emphasized the need for the company to remain sustainable, citing challenges from the global pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.

According to Edwards, the company has a responsibility to balance the needs of its employees with long-term business goals.

He highlighted Bakkavor’s commitment to job creation and economic growth, underscoring the company’s attempts to address workers’ concerns in a way that supports all stakeholders.

What Lies Ahead?

As the strike persists, Bakkavor’s ongoing contingency efforts aim to minimize the impact on consumers.

The company maintains that Christmas food production will not be affected, and they are working to resolve the soup shortage quickly.

Meanwhile, the union remains firm in its demand for fair compensation, vowing to continue pressure on Bakkavor and its shareholders until an acceptable agreement is reached.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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