Coca Cola Strike Threat

More than 2,000 UK workers at Coca-Cola, are set to vote on possible strike action.

Unite and GMB unions said Coca-Cola Enterprises, had refused a claim for national bargaining from its workforce. The claim was made in the wake of what the unions described as "a sneak attack" on pay and pensions.

Unite, which represents over 2,000 workers said a strike could see soft drink supplies running low before the close of the World Cup, which is being sponsored by Coca-Cola.

The unions accused Coca Cola Enterprises of refusing to consult on major changes to conditions of employment such as requirements for staff to work an extra five years to the age of 65 or risk losing up to a quarter of their pension. They are also disputing the implementation of a 2% pay rise, which they say was rubber-stamped by a company forum comprised "predominantly of management and non-union representatives".

Jennie Formby,Unite national officer for the food, drink and tobacco sector, highlighted the inequity between the changes to workers' pension arrangements and the retirement pot of CCE chief executive John Brock, which is currently worth $3.5m (£2.4m) after less than 12 years' service.

"Where is the fair play in sneakily attacking members' pay and pensions while freezing the workers' representatives out of any discussions on the matter?

"CCE is seeking to attack our members' wages but is rewarding senior executives' groaning pension pots," Jenny Formby said.