Coca-Cola workers walk out for pay row strike

Workers at a London Coca-Cola factory are going on strike today in a row over pay, with further walkouts planned.

Unite said the stoppage at the plant in Edmonton will lead to millions fewer bottles of Coke being produced this month.

Workers will strike from 3pm, with Unite claiming there will be no production until 9pm.

The union warned that the dispute could escalate unless the company increases a 2% pay offer.

National officer Jennie Formby said: "Frustrated workers are turning off the taps at this Coca-Cola bottling plant. They deserve a pay deal that reflects the true cost of living. With pre-tax profits up by 12% to £617.9 million in 2009 and projections of better than expected results this year, the company can easily afford a fairer deal.

"We are very concerned by the lack of commitment from Coca-Cola Enterprises to reaching a deal on this issue and the refusal to consider a compromise at Acas last week, instead choosing to reissue the previous proposal. Unless the company engages more positively with Unite, workers will become even more frustrated and we could well see an escalation of this dispute."

Further strikes are planned for later in the month.

A Coca-Cola Enterprises spokesman said: "We are expecting industrial action to take place at our Edmonton site today. This is disappointing as we remain open to further dialogue with all our employees and the union. We continue to believe this offers the prospect of a constructive outcome, and that the pay offer we have made is fair in the current climate.

"CCE has plans in place to ensure that any industrial action does not disrupt the high quality of service we always aim to deliver for our customers."