Princes Pay Dispute: Ongoing Negotiations and Concerns

The ongoing Princes Pay Dispute has intensified as Princes, a leading canned food manufacturer, expressed disappointment with Unite the Union’s stance. The company urges a resolution while emphasizing its commitment to fair pay.

Strike Action Developments

Unite the Union announced strike plans for several facilities, including:

• Bradford
• Wisbech
• Long Sutton
• Glasgow
• Cardiff (already experienced industrial action last year)

Union members rejected Princes’ previous pay offers, seeking improved terms for 2024.

Princes’ Pay Offer

Princes proposed a 3% pay increase for 2024, calling it “fair and reasonable.” The offer follows prior pay increases:

• 2.5% in 2021
• 7% increase plus a 4.1% cost-of-living payment in 2022
• 8% increase in 2023

The company also offered to backdate the 2024 increase to April, but Unite rejected the proposal.

Company’s Position

Princes Chairman, Angelo Mastrolia, highlighted rising employer costs and changes to the Living Wage. These factors will add approximately £1,800 per full-time employee in 2024. Increasing National Insurance contributions further intensify financial pressures.

Princes stressed the importance of managing costs to maintain price competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

Potential Disruptions

While Unite warned of possible food supply disruptions, Princes assured customers that contingency plans are in place. The company continues to manage stock levels effectively, preventing major supply issues.

Outlook and Future Steps

Mastrolia reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting employees while ensuring long-term business stability. The Princes Pay Dispute reflects broader industry challenges in balancing employee pay with financial pressures.

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