Cost-of-living crisis: Coffinmakers at Scottish factory kick off week of strike action.<br /><br />Coffinmakers at the Co-op’s only factory in the UK are “resolute” in their campaign for an improved pay offer as workers kick off a week of strike action.<br /><br />Production has come to an end at the facility in Bogmoor Place, Glasgow, as staff rejected a pay offer which their union Unite said was a “real-terms” pay cut.<br /><br />Willie Thomson, the union’s regional officer, said the offer equated to less than 5 per cent when compared with the rate of inflation, according to the retail price index (RPI), at 12.3 per cent.<br /><br /><br /><br />The walk-out is expected to last until November 7. However, the Co-op, one of the UK’s largest funeral directors, was notified of further industrial action, beginning on November 14, if the dispute has not been settled.<br /><br />The Co-op previously said the strikes would have “no impact” on their ability to support bereaved families, and said a strong supply of coffins was available.<br /><br />Mr Thomson said workers were prepared to take as much industrial action as necessary to reach a fair agreement.<br /><br />He said: “Our members are resolute in their determination to see the Co-op, an employer who likes to say that they do things better than some other employers, come to the table with a sensible offer.<br /><br />“As well as the strike action today, which will last for the entire week, our members have further served a notice this morning of the Co-op of another week of action, which will kick off on November 14, should we not resolve the dispute by then.<br /><br />Advertisement<br /><br />Hide Ad<br /><br />“I think that shows their determination to win an offer that protects their living standards at the highest inflation that we’ve seen for 40 years.”<br /><br />On behalf of staff, Unite are meeting with Acas – an organisation that works with employers and employees on disputes – and the Co-op, where they will “hopefully seek a resolution”.<br /><br />Mr Thomson added: “Our members are taking industrial action today because they have been offered a pay rise that is significantly below the rate of inflation at a time when we’re facing the biggest cost-of-living crisis in over 40 years.<br /><br />“Our members are seeing the cost of food, of fuel, of their mortgages rising. They are here today because the Co-op is not making a significant offer to them that reflects the reality of how they’re seeing their costs rising.”<br /><br />Advertisement<br /><br />Hide Ad<br /><br />A Co-op spokesperson said: “Our colleagues at our Glasgow coffin factory are a hugely valued part of our Co-op and following ongoing discussions with Unite, we are disappointed that we have not been able to reach an agreement about pay.<br /><br />“In spite of the difficult trading environment, we have offered all of our colleagues at the coffin factory a fair pay increase. We are confident that the combined base pay and production bonus for roles within the coffin factory remain highly competitive.<br /><br />“We would like to provide full reassurance that the strike has no impact on our ability support to bereaved
