A food company worth £4 billion which makes own-brand curries for
the likes of Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s is threatening 1,000
workers with fire and rehire.
Pilgrim’s Food Masters which also supplies Aldi and Morrisons,
has told workers at its site in Southall (formerly Noon) they
will be sacked and reemployed on worse terms and conditions –
including no paid breaks, reduced sick pay and the removal of
Diwali holiday pay.
The company claims the cuts are needed to save cash – but has not
provided any financial justification to support its proposed
changes to employees’ terms and conditions.
Meanwhile, Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, which bought the Kerry
Food Group including Noon in June 2021, is estimated to be worth
more than £4 billion worldwide.
Accounts show current president and Chief Executive Fabio
Sandri’s remuneration was a staggering £6.5 million which
included a £700,000 salary and £1.2 million bonus.
Mathew Galvanoni, Chief Financial Officer, received a
remuneration package worth $£1.5 million and included a £400,000
bonus on top of basic pay of £300,000.
Perry Phillips, GMB London Region Organiser
said:
“We should all be disgusted that there is a Chief Executive who
is receiving a bonus of £1.2 million whilst deciding workers in
the UK no longer deserve a paid break and need to work longer
shifts.
“Noons was a well-respected business that made a positive
contribution to the local community.
“It is devastating for our members that this multi-billion-dollar
company has come in and is treating them so badly.”
“GMB met with supermarket clients who clearly believe in
investing and valuing their staff and are willing to support
GMB’s call for Pilgrims to comply with the Ethical Trading
Initiative codes of practice.”
