Cheshire factory workers set to strike over job cuts

Workers at a glassmaking factory in Cheshire are gearing up for strike action after rejecting a proposed deal over planned job cuts. The dispute centres on Encirc, a major producer of bottles for the drinks industry, which operates a site in Elton, near Ellesmere Port.

Union representatives have accused the company of pushing through redundancies without adequate consultation, prompting members to vote overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. The Unite union, representing the affected workers, confirmed that its members had balloted for strikes following what it described as a "derisory" offer from management.

The proposed agreement, which included voluntary redundancies and changes to working practices, was turned down by a significant majority. Unite regional officer Josie Bird stated that the workforce felt undervalued after years of loyalty, especially amid reports of production pressures in the sector.

Encirc, part of the Vidrala group, expressed surprise at the union's decision. In a statement, the company downplayed the severity of the situation, insisting that the proposals were designed to secure the long-term viability of the plant.

Management highlighted ongoing challenges in the glass manufacturing industry, including fluctuating demand for alcoholic drinks bottles. They claimed no widespread shortage existed and that the firm was committed to minimising compulsory redundancies.

The Elton facility is one of Encirc's key UK sites, employing hundreds in the production of glass containers primarily for beer, wine, and spirits. Cheshire's industrial heartland has long relied on such factories, with the glass sector providing stable jobs in areas like Ellesmere Port and Chester.

The potential strike threatens to disrupt supply chains at a time when the drinks industry is recovering from post-pandemic shifts and facing rising energy costs. Local MP Justin Madders, whose constituency includes the Elton area, voiced support for the workers.

He urged both sides to return to negotiations, warning that prolonged industrial action could harm the local economy. "These are skilled jobs that have sustained families for generations," Madders said.

"It's disappointing to see such a breakdown in talks when compromise should be possible."

The backdrop to the dispute includes broader pressures on UK glassmakers. Encirc has invested heavily in recent years, including a £130 million furnace upgrade at Elton in 2022 to boost efficiency and output.

Despite this, the company cited softer demand for returnable glass bottles and competition from imported products as reasons for restructuring. Industry analysts note that while alcoholic beverage sales have stabilised, premium glass packaging remains essential, particularly for craft beers and spirits.

Unite has warned that strike dates could be announced as early as next week if talks fail. The union argues that Encirc's parent company, Spanish-owned Vidrala, is prioritising profits over UK workers.

Vidrala reported strong financials last year, with revenues exceeding €3 billion, fuelling claims that the firm could afford a better deal. Workers, many with decades of service, fear not just job losses but a precedent for future cuts across the sector.

Cheshire's manufacturing base has faced turbulence before. Nearby, the closure of the Winsford rock salt mine in 2022 shed hundreds of jobs, while automotive plants like Vauxhall in Ellesmere Port have undergone transitions to electric vehicles.

The glass industry, however, holds a unique position due to its ties to recycling and sustainability goals. Encirc prides itself on using cullet – recycled glass – making up over 50 per cent of its raw materials, aligning with national efforts to reduce waste.

Community leaders in Elton and surrounding villages are bracing for impact. The factory is a major employer, supporting local shops, pubs, and services.

Councillor Brian Fraser, from Cheshire West and Chester Council, called for mediation. "Strikes are never ideal, but workers' voices must be heard.

We need a resolution that protects jobs and keeps the wheels turning."

Encirc countered by emphasising its track record. The company pointed to previous agreements with unions and ongoing recruitment in other areas.

It also dismissed shortage claims, stating that production levels were meeting customer needs. Sources within the drinks sector corroborate this, with major brewers like Carlsberg and Diageo reporting no major disruptions from Encirc suppliers.

As tensions simmer, the Acas conciliation service has been approached by both parties. Further negotiations are scheduled, but optimism is tempered.

For Cheshire's workers, the stakes are high: a strike could lead to immediate hardship, while acceptance of the deal might signal vulnerability to more cuts ahead. This row underscores wider issues in British manufacturing.

Energy prices, still elevated after the 2022 crisis, squeeze margins for energy-intensive industries like glassmaking. Government subsidies for green transitions offer some relief, but unions argue they bypass frontline workers.

In Cheshire, where the sector contributes millions to the economy annually, the outcome will resonate beyond Elton's factory gates. Residents are watching closely.

One veteran employee, speaking anonymously, told Cheshire Today: "We've kept the drinks flowing through tough times. Now they want to cut us loose.

It's not right." As the dispute unfolds, the community hopes for a deal that preserves both livelihoods and the clink of bottles on production lines. The coming days will be crucial.

With ballot results fresh and momentum building, pressure mounts on Encirc to sweeten its offer. For now, Cheshire's glass workers stand firm, ready to make their voices heard through picket lines if needed.

Open article on Cheshire Today