UNITE members employed in the manufacture of coffins for Co-op Funeralcare – the only source of coffins for the Co-op - have voted for strike action in a dispute over pay.
Members of the trade union at the Glasgow site voted for industrial action by 96% on an 86% turnout, with the initial strike action being scheduled for August 22, continuing each day until August 29.
Commenting upon the decision, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham (below) alleged that the employer had walked away from the negotiating table, though Co-op Funeralcare has emphasised to The National that it has not.
Graham said: “We expect more from an organisation that promotes itself as principled and claims to demonstrate a fairer way of doing business. They should start by showing they are different from some of the bad employers we deal with day in day out, by treating their workers fairly and get back round the table with a decent offer for our members.”
The dispute reportedly arose from a final 3% wage offer, which Unite have described as “measly”.
Unite industrial officer Willie Thomson commented that workers at Co-op Funeralcare are “rightly furious”.
Thomson said: “Our attempts to work constructively towards a resolution have been contemptuously dismissed with the Coop displaying an unacceptable ‘take it or leave it’ attitude."
READ MORE: Unite condemns luxury Cameron House hotel in dispute over tips
Thomson noted that their members were recognised as essential workers, saying that they “deserve better from an employer who promotes social goals and giving back to communities".
“In the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades, our members deserve better.”
Co-op Funeralcare said in a statement to The National: “Our colleagues at our Glasgow coffin factory are a hugely valued part of our Co-op. In spite of the difficult trading environment, we have offered all of our Funeralcare colleagues a 3% pay increase which has now been accepted by the vast majority of our colleagues (98%).
“We remain in dialogue with Unite about this offer and the mandate to strike at our coffin factory later this month. Whilst discussions remain ongoing, we would like to provide full reassurance that we are able to maintain a strong supply of coffins.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel