WORKERS at the under-threat McVitie's factory have been handed formal redundancy notices in a move branded as a 'slap in the face' by unions.

The GMB and Unite revealed workers received word today that they may be made redundant from their jobs at the Tollcross plant as the formal 45 days consultation notice was issued.

Both unions who organise nearly 500 workers at the plant have 'reacted furiously' to the plans which are going ahead despite intervention from a Scottish Government run action group headed up by finance secretary Kate Forbes MSP and leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken.

Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer said it was a 'slap in the face' to the workforce. He added: “It’s an absolute disgrace that not only has McVitie’s formally issued redundancy notices but they are also refusing to engage with the Action Group established by the Scottish Government.

GMB Scotland Organiser David Hume called the move an 'act of extreme bad faith'.
He added:“It’s an act of extreme bad faith on the part of the Pladis Managing Director David Murray, and a gross insult to hundreds of workers and their families who are fighting for their livelihoods and community. 

"The rules of the game have now been changed by Pladis – the clock is now officially ticking on 472 jobs and generations of food manufacturing that has endured austerity and prosperity, war and pandemic.

"David Murray needs to be hauled by the Cabinet Secretary before the members of the Action Group because this is a profitable business with an innovative workforce that can and should have a future in the East End of Glasgow."

A spokesman for pladis said: "We can confirm that we have today issued the HR1 notice; a letter which is a part of the formal consultation process on our proposal to close our factory in Tollcross. ​

"In recent weeks we have been frequently engaging with our Trade Union representatives and the Action Group co-chaired by Cabinet Secretary Kate Forbes and Councillor Susan Aitken. We remain committed to meaningful consultation with our employees and their representatives."