Coca-Cola closure leaves bad taste with union
Coca Cola’s shock announcement that it is to close its Malvern Water bottled plant has been attacked by trade union, Unite. The union said the decision to close the Worcester-based site was “badly handled” and “shows no respect for a loyal workforce”.
The union accused the drinks giant of only making its plans clear “while all eyes were focused on the Comprehensive Spending Review”.
The closure will results in the loss of 17 jobs in two weeks' time with the closure confirmed for 3 November.
Jennie Formby, Unite national officer for the food and drinks sector, said: "These workers and their families have been disgracefully treated by Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE). The company obviously made its mind up long ago about their futures yet sat on their decision until a good day to bury bad news came along.
"We are really concerned now for these workers and are determined that CCE does right for them in redundancy.
"This is a sad and shameful way to end to a proud 100-year tradition in Malvern, but it will also serve to remind British consumers that multi-nationals rarely care for the regional products we're proud of and rarely have local communities' interests at heart.
"CCE cannot treat its workers or much-loved products with such casual disrespect and expect not to see their stock fall among the public."
