Union could take legal action over plans to close biscuit factory

Trade unionists are threatening to mount a legal challenge against biscuit factory bosses’ plans to close down their Moreton plant, reported the Wirral Globe.

Hundreds of factory workers stand to lose their jobs with the proposed closure of UK’s Burton’s Foods at the end of the year.

Following a recent protest march Len McCluskey, general secretary of the union Unite warned that every available weapon would be used the halt the closure plan.

Now Unite national officer Tony Woodley is pressing for Burton executives to sit down for talks with the union or face the threat of legal action.

The union claims that Burton Foods has reneged on a 2007 agreement to keep the plant open until 2012.

They insist that the agreement is legally binding and that legal action will be pursued if the closure goes ahead.

Mr Woodley claimed that the factory was producing profitable lines and if volume was increased keeping it open would remain viable. The union, he said, wanted to sit down with Burton’s bosses and outline alternative plans.

He said Unite was still hopeful that their local representatives could have “sensible discussions” with the company.

Burton spokesman James Horseman described as “bizarre” Mr Woodley’s claims that the company was reluctant to discuss the future of the plant with Unite.