25/03/2015

Unite Calls For Meetings Over Heinz And Kraft Merger

Reassurances about future UK job security are being sought by Unite the union following the announcement that US food giant Heinz is to merge with Kraft Foods Group.

Unite national officer for the food sector Julia Long said: "We will be seeking urgent meetings with Heinz management about the future security of our members’ jobs.

"We also want to know what the combined company's future business plan will be for its sites in the UK.

"We and our trade union colleagues in the food industry around the world know from experience that deals like this often involve job losses and ruthless cost-cutting, as global capital wants a quick return on its investment.

"News of this merger is a bolt from the blue for our members at Heinz. They deserve better, and we will be fighting for a better deal for them.

"The fact that shareholders have been hosed down with cash, while workers seem to have been kept in the dark is concerning.

"We sincerely hope that this is not the shape of things to come. These companies have worked with unions to build their prosperity in the past and need to do so in this new entity too."

(CD/MH)

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