Coffin-makers are to go on strike this month in a dispute over pay.

The craft workers at the Co-op Funeralcare factory in Glasgow have rejected a pay offer, which they say is a real-terms cut.

The staff who work at the Shieldhall facility, manufacturing coffins, will walk out on October 31 and will stay on strike for up to seven days unless there is a resolution.

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There are around 50 workers at the base - the only coffin manufacturing hub for the Co-op in the UK.

The union said the offer from the Co-op is “less than half” of the latest estimate of inflation according to the retail price index (RPI), at 12.3%.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “The Co-op trades on being different to bad employers; it should not be proposing a real-terms pay cut for their Funeralcare workers, especially when they can well afford to pay fairly.

"We will fully support our Co-op members in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”  

The union said the firm is making healthy profits but refusing to make an acceptable offer when the cost of living is rising.

It said in 2021 the firm made a profit of £12m.

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Willie Thomson, Unite industrial officer, added: “Co-op Funeralcare have left our members with no option but to take strike action as they have failed to table an acceptable wage offer.

“We have given negotiations every opportunity to resolve this dispute but the Co-op are failing to recognise the cost-of-living crisis.

“Unite’s members are sending a clear message by taking strike action that the wage offer is unacceptable, and they are determined to fight for a better wage deal.”

The union said the strike was voted for by 96% of members on a turnout of 86% and will completely halt production at the factory.

The Co-op has reassured people that the strike will have “no impact” on its ability to support bereaved families, and it has a strong supply of coffins available.

A spokesperson said: “Our colleagues at our Glasgow coffin factory are a hugely valued part of our Co-op and following ongoing discussions with Unite we are disappointed that we have not been able to reach an agreement about pay.

“In spite of the difficult trading environment, we have offered all of our colleagues at the coffin factory a fair pay increase. We are confident that the combined base pay and production bonus for roles within the coffin factory remain highly competitive.”