Vets' strike threat may hit abattoirs

Published on Monday 2 November 2009 19:16

THE UK's supply of meat could be affected if a threatened strike by vets who inspect abattoirs and meat processing plants goes ahead.

Vets working for Yorkshire-based Grants Veterinary Services, one of the biggest suppliers of vets to the Meat Hygiene Service, have been balloted for strike action in a dispute over union recognition, according to Unison, the public sector trade union.

The vets, who work in abattoirs across the UK, have a responsibility to maintain animal welfare and ensure meat safety. But they are threatening to walk out unless their employers recognise Unison, and end plans to cut pay, terms and conditions, as well as impose new contracts. The stoppages could affect meat production in the run-up to Christmas.

Grants supply 150 vets on contract to the Meat Hygiene Service, which Unison claims is around 25 per cent of the veterinary inspectors employed in the UK meat industry.

Last night, Grants claimed they had no plans to cut pay, only to impose better harmonisation arising from taking over a number of smaller companies.

They claimed that Unison were demanding sole negotiating rights, which Grants think is unreasonable as it is not fair on staff who are not in Unison.

A spokesman for the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers yesterday said very few Grants Veterinary Services personnel are employed in Scottish plants and he did not expect any strike action to greatly affect the industry north of the border.

In a statement, the Meat Hygiene Service said: "The vast majority of Scotland will not be affected by any potential action by Unison. Grants Veterinary Services works in the south of Scotland for the MHS and supply veterinary services to only two slaughterhouses.

"Grants Veterinary Services is working closely with the MHS and keeping us fully informed on developments and how they plan to continue the service they provide to us."

Chris Jenkinson, Unison regional organiser, said: "The vets in abattoirs make sure animals are treated humanely, and that the famous English roast is safe to eat. But they are threatening to hang up their aprons unless their employers recognise Unison, and put a stop to plans to cut pay, terms and conditions, and impose a new employment contract onto the vets.

"Unless Grants agree to give their staff a voice, they are running the risk of strikes hitting meat plants in the run-up to Christmas … More than 70 per cent of their vet staff are Unison members and they have a right to be represented."