 Uniq supplies Marks & Spencer with food products |
Staff at one of the biggest employers in the south of Scotland have agreed to go ahead with strike action over pay. About 500 workers at the Uniq Prepared Foods Plant in Annan were balloted on Friday with the result overwhelmingly in favour of action.
The T&G union said a meeting on Monday backed a series of one-day stoppages every Thursday from 19 August.
Formerly known as Pinney's of Scotland, Uniq is one of the largest suppliers of smoked salmon and other fish products.
The company supplies food to major retailers including Marks & Spencer and employs 1,000 people on two sites.
 |  We are prepared to negotiate with the company but any talks must be meaningful  |
Nearly 70% of the workers turned out to vote in the ballot, which will also include a ban on overtime. The vote saw 86% of workers opt for strike action, with 92% for action short of a stoppage.
T&G regional industrial organiser Mick Higgins said many workers at Uniq earned only the minimum wage.
He said that Uniq had offered a 3% inflation-only rise, which was rejected by union members.
Mr Higgins added: "Members are fed up with working for poverty pay and know that the company can well afford an improved offer.
"Shareholders are benefiting from the company's increased profits, so why are there still workers at Uniq on the minimum wage?
"We are prepared to negotiate with the company but any talks must be meaningful."
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