Co-op Funeralcare workers who manufacture coffins have voted for strike action amidst a pay dispute.
Unite the union has confirmed that its members have voted for industrial action with an initial week of strike scheduled for later this month.
Although the workers are employed at a site in Govan, it is the Co-op’s only coffin production base, with the firm operating parlours across Lanarkshire.
The unions claims the dispute is a direct result of Co-operative Funeralcare’s refusal to return to the negotiating table following members’ rejection of "a measly three per cent" final wage offer.
Unite members voted for action by 96 per cent on an 86 per cent turnout.
The initial strike action is scheduled to take place from Monday, August 22 and will continue each day up to Monday, August 29.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The employer involved here walked away from the negotiating table.
"We expect more from an organisation that promotes itself as principled and claims to demonstrate a fairer way of doing business.
"They should start by showing they are different from some of the bad employers we deal with day in day out, by treating their workers fairly and get back round the table with a decent offer for our members.”
Willie Thomson, Unite industrial officer, added: “Workers at Co-op Funeralcare are rightly furious.
"Our attempts to work constructively towards a resolution have been contemptuously dismissed with the Co-op displaying an unacceptable ‘take it or leave it’ attitude.
"Our members, recognised as essential workers, deserve better from an employer who promotes social goals and giving back to communities. In the worst cost of living crisis in decades our members deserve better.”
A Co-op Funeralcare spokesperson said: "Our colleagues at our Glasgow coffin factory are a hugely valued part of our Co-op.
"In spite of the difficult trading environment, we have offered all of our Funeralcare colleagues a three per cent pay increase which has now been accepted by the vast majority of our colleagues (98 per cent).
"We remain in dialogue with Unite about this offer and the mandate to strike at our coffin factory later this month. Whilst discussions remain ongoing we would like to provide full reassurance that we are able to maintain a strong supply of coffins."
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head over to our page to give us a like and share.
