Coffin-makers are striking for the second time at the Co-op Funeralcare in Shieldhall.

The fresh strikes began on Monday and will continue until next Monday, November 21, at 7.54am, halting production at the Co-op’s only coffin factory in the UK over pay disputes.

Co-op Funeralcare has assured that the strike will not impact bereaved families as the company has a "strong supply of coffins" and "work closely with a range of third-party coffin suppliers".

READ MORE: Halloween strike action HALTS coffin production in the UK for Co-op Funeralcare

Unite the Union’s striking workers will be holding a rally for trade unionists and the wider public on Friday, November 18, at 8.30am to drum up support for the factory workers.

The coffin workers have suggested that strike action could ‘continue over the Christmas and New Year period’ if a pay deal is not reached.

Unite members launched their first week of strike action on Halloween after rejecting a pay offer from Co-op Funeralcare and demanding a pay rise in line with inflation.

Willie Thomson, regional officer at Unite, said: "Our members remain resolute and determined as they begin a second week of strike action in pursuit of a fair wage deal at a time of the biggest cost-of-living crisis in decades.

“With no planned talks with the employer tabled, this dispute will continue risking significant coffin supply disruption at a time when seasonal mortality rates are highest.

“Unite expected more from an organisation that carries the Co-op brand name.

“A brand whose values are linked to caring for others, democracy and equity.

“They should look again at these principles and ask themselves are they still worthy because my members don’t think they are.

“It’s time for Co-op Funeral care to step up and make a wage offer that does not leave their workers, our members, potentially accessing foodbanks."

READ MORE: Coffin production to halt in the UK again as Glasgow workers announce fresh strikes

A spokesperson from Co-op Funeralcare said: “Our colleagues at our Glasgow coffin factory are a hugely valued part of our Co-op and we have been in an ongoing dialogue with Unite as we strive to reach a sensible pay agreement.

“We remain open to discussions to try and reach an agreement and have informed Unite of this.

“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.

“We are able to maintain a strong supply of coffins.

“In addition to our own factory, we work closely with a range of third-party coffin suppliers and so we can offer full reassurance that the strike has no impact on our ability support to bereaved families.”