Coke workers to stage walk-outs

The Wakefield plant produces millions of drinks every day

Workers at the biggest UK distribution centre for Coca-Cola are to stage two 48-hour strikes in a row over pay.

The Unite union said the walk-outs will take place on 26-27 July and 13-14 August at Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

And 220 workers at a depot at Milton Keynes will also walk out for 24 hours on 27 July.

Unite said the action would have a "significant impact" on the supply of drinks but management said it had "robust contingency plans" in place.

The union also announced that its 400 members at the Wakefield plant would start a continuous overtime ban next week, which it said would also hit supplies.

Improved offer

Workers have rejected a two-year pay deal which the unions said would increase basic wage rates by 2.5% each year.

Officials said the offer was improved during talks on Monday but it was not enough to head off strikes.

The company was given formal notice of the industrial action following the latest talks.

Coca-Cola said although Wakefield was an important site, the company did not foresee customers having any supply problems.

They also operated five other sites in Great Britain and a network of external suppliers and currently had the highest stock levels for many years.

Stephen Moorhouse, vice-president for operations in Great Britain, said: "We cannot justify a settlement of almost double the 2007 norm and feel this would be unfair to the rest of our associates across the rest of the British business.

"We respect the rights of our colleagues in Wakefield but we are saddened by this decision, since we have really tried to be fair and offered a pay rise on top of what is already a market leading pay rate.

"This offer remains on the table.

"I'd like to reassure our customers that they can rely on us to keep delivering the supplies they need throughout the summer."