Strikes brewing at one of UK's largest tea factories Tetley as workers balloted over pay dispute

Workers at one of the UK’s largest tea factories have warned strike action is brewing over a pay dispute.

Almost 150 staff producing Tetley teabags plan to walk off the floor on August 3 if a ballot by the GMB union proves successful.

They have accused the firm, owned by Tata Consumer Products, of inflicting a real-terms pay cut on the majority female workforce after 88% turned down a pay offer.

Union representatives also alleged the company was “eroding staff’s quality of life,” and urged bosses at the Teesside firm to get back round the table.

Organiser Laura Maughan said: “Tetley workers have faced years of real terms pay cuts.

“Now, during a cost-of-living crisis, they have overwhelmingly refused to take another.

“GMB members are struggling to support their families, unable to escape from domestic abuse in some cases and are having to resort to food banks.

“All they’re asking for is fair pay for their skilled work.”

She added: “Their quality of life has been eroded over time, and it’s in Tata’s power to change this for the workers, their families and for the future of decent paid jobs in Teesside.”

Tata has been contacted for comment.