Barnsley bakers strike to save dough

Over 100 members of the BFAWU bakers’ union at La Baguette Doree bakery in Barnsley held a four day strike last week.

They are fighting changes to their contracts that mean some workers will have pay cuts of between 15 and 25 percent.

Management is trying to stop paying workers for breaks, meaning that staff lose over four hours pay a week.

In addition there are cuts in sick pay and shift premiums.

Large numbers of strikers joined the picket lines.

Claire Crossland, BFAWU branch secretary, said, “Members are very upset with the cuts. We felt the only thing left to do was take action.”

Sam Vickers, BFAWU regional official, added, “More strike action is planned if the company won’t come round the table and negotiate.”