Usdaw Initiates Strike Ballot at KP Snacks Site Amid Pay Dispute

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) has commenced a strike ballot for its members at the KP Snacks facility in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, due to a pay dispute. This formal ballot will remain open until 25 November and follows a recent consultative industrial action ballot.

Usdaw area organiser Ed Leach commented, “The 2024/25 pay negotiations have so far failed to reach a satisfactory outcome. The company’s offer of 6.5% does not adequately address the narrowing gap between the National Living Wage and the consolidated rates of pay at the site.”

The union reported that KP Snacks’ 6.5% pay offer was rejected by 87.5% of members in the most recent ballot, highlighting that the proposal is viewed as unacceptable. Leach expressed concern over the company’s refusal to reconsider their offer, urging them to change their stance to prevent disruption during the busy pre-Christmas period.

KP Snacks has been approached for comment regarding the ongoing negotiations. This development comes on the heels of the crisps manufacturer reporting nearly £100 million in profits for 2023, despite facing challenges such as a cyber-attack. In the last financial year, KP Snacks, which boasts a portfolio including McCoy’s, Terrell’s, KP Nuts, and Popchips, recorded a pre-tax profit of £93.7 million, up from £64.3 million in 2022.