Nestlé in the UK & Ireland has been working together with its two Trade Unions, GMB and Unite, since the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic on important issues around employee safety, working conditions and maintaining supply.
Nestlé UK & Ireland CEO, Stefano Agostini said: “I am grateful for the support of GMB and Unite at this time. There is no greater priority for me than assuring the health and safety of our workers and particularly those who are still leaving home to come to work in our factories, our distribution centres and across our supply chain to deliver for the nation. We will continue to keep employee welfare at the very top of our agenda.
“I’d like to re-iterate my heartfelt thanks to all of those employees as well as our suppliers and contractors for the vital work they are doing.”
Ross Murdoch GMB National Officer said: "In these unique and challenging times it has been refreshing to deal with an employer such as Nestlé who has throughout sought to ensure they minimise the impact on their employees in a health, safety and welfare context and financially.
“They have worked constructively with GMB and its sister union Unite throughout. The balance has always been to respond to Government demands and requests on the needs of the general public in terms of food and drink, but done so in a way that risk to employees is either eliminated or kept to an absolute minimum.”
Joe Clarke National Officer for the Unite the Union food drink and beverage section said “Nestlé Unite the Union/GMB Trade Unions have been working hand in glove to ensure the nation is fed, the supermarkets are stocked and also that the general public has a broad range of food and beverage choices made available to them.
“The level of dialogue has been comprehensive and thoroughly ethical which is a testament to the exceptional industrial relations that exist between the company and the Trade Unions with all working collectively, in cooperation, for the best interests of all stakeholders.
“Clearly, with the concerns that have been around and visible for all to see in relation to the stock levels in the supermarkets, we are bending over backwards to make sure the British public is fed at this crucial time and will continue to work with exceptionally high levels of communication and support for one another”.
Last month Nestlé joined GMB and Unite in issuing a joint communication to employees which you can read here.