Sponsored by
Workers fear for takeover
UNION leaders are urging US food group Kraft to "end its silence" on the futures of Sheffield's 700 Cadbury workers if the £12bn takeover goes through today.
According to the unions, the conglomerate's silence on its plans is spreading insecurity among workers.
Unite, the union representing Cadbury and Kraft workers in the UK and Ireland, has written to Kraft's CEO Irene Rosenfeld to urge her to move swiftly to allay concerns the takeover will be paid for in workers' jobs.
Some 700 people work at Cadbury's Trebor Bassett factory on Livesey Street, Hillsborough, home of Bertie Bassett and manufacturers of the world famous Liquorice Allsorts.
Unite's national officer for food and drink Jennie Formby said: "Our workers at Cadbury are extremely worried that what was a bright future for them will be dimmer under Kraft.
"With the purchase of Cadbury sure to be completed today, Kraft can no longer hide behind the secrecy of UK takeover rules. They must come clean on their plans because workers are being left to dread the worst."
Last month, Unite warned Cadbury shareholders Kraft's mounting debt, estimated to be some 22 billion, meant there would be an "irresistible imperative" to cut costs by cutting jobs.
Cadbury shareholders vote on the revised offer from Kraft today.
At the same time Cadbury workers will head to Westminster to press the Government for support to win jobs and investment guarantees from their new employers.
What do you think? Add your comment below.
Don't miss our daily pull-outs - only in the The Star: Monday Star Sport, Tuesday Class Act; Wednesday Business; Thursday Grassroots; Friday Time Out; Saturday Retro. Subscribe to The Star, click here
READ MORE
Main news index
Your letters
Features
South Yorkshire's environmental news
Kids Zone
More business news
More Rotherham news
More Doncaster news
More Barnsley news
Latest sport
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
