UK : Unite urges Unilever to resist Kraft Heinz ‘predatory' takeover bid
Britain’s largest union, Unite said today (Friday 17 February) that it was seeking an urgent meeting with Unilever bosses and that the company should continue to resist takeover attempts by Kraft
Commenting Unite national officer Rhys McCarthy said: “Unite is seeking an urgent meeting with Unilever senior management where we will seek assurances that the company will resist this predatory takeover by Kraft Heinz.
“Unite members make household products which are much loved by UK consumers. Kraft Heinz and their backers’ reputation for cost cutting, we believe, will lead to great brands being harmed through job cuts and a never ending drive to push costs down.
“This takeover bid, is we fear, driven by a desire for a growth in sales, not through product innovation and maintaining great brands, but by gobbling up a major competitor and slashing costs to generate a quick buck.
“Unite does not believe this takeover is either in Kraft Heinz workers’ interests or those of Unilever and that ultimately it will lead to jobs losses and poorer products for consumers.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Unite head of media and campaigns Alex Flynn on 020 3371 2066 or 07967 665869.
Notes to editors:
- Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest trade union with over 1.4 million members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.