Striking Fox’s Glacier Mint workers are set to stage a mass protest today telling bosses to drop their fire and rehire threat. 

When: 1.30pm Monday 28 March 2022 

Where: Valeo Snackfoods, Low Poppleton Lane, York, YO26 6AZ 

Workers will be joined by a giant polar bear, labour councillors and York Knights rugby players at the event. 

Staff at Valeo York, who also make Poppets and humbugs, mint assortments butter mints, rhubarb and custards and lemon sherberts for well-known supermarkets including M&S, are on strike following attacks on their pay, terms, and conditions.   

They have been told by bosses they will be fired and re-hired unless they agree to a new contract which reduces their holiday and pay – which some have through fear of losing their job. 

Fire and rehire as a negotiating tactic has been roundly condemned by politicians of all stripes – including the Prime Minister. 

A mass GMB poll showed more than three quarters of the public want fire and rehire to be made illegal. 

Katherine Mitchell, GMB Organiser, said: 

“Fire and rehire is an outdated, abhorrent practice that should be made illegal. 

“It’s never acceptable. 

"Valeo bosses are trying to impose a real terms pay cut on these loyal workers in the midst of the worst cost of living crisis in a generation. 

“During the strikes, managers haven't allowed striking workers to use canteen or toilet facilities and called the police on a lawful picket. 

“We’re here to say enough is enough – support your workers instead of trying to bully them into submission.”