Tata Consumer Products, the owner of Tetley Tea, has initiated legal action against striking factory workers, accusing them of trespassing during an ongoing pay dispute.
The company has applied for a trespass injunction after workers allegedly entered Tetley’s Teesside production site in County Durham, violating picketing rules and engaging in “intimidating” behaviour towards managers.
The Teesside facility, Tetley’s largest production site globally, is responsible for producing 30% of the tea consumed in the UK. The legal dispute arose after nearly 150 GMB Union members went on strike last month, protesting real-term pay cuts over several years. The GMB warned that the strikes could result in tea shortages, with further industrial action planned for later this week.
Tata Consumer Products insists that strike action must be peaceful and follow agreed guidelines, which include preventing strikers from accessing the factory’s premises. A company spokesperson stated that the rules were clearly communicated to the employees, and any breach is considered trespassing. The matter is set to be heard in court on Wednesday.
Paul Clark, a GMB organiser, has accused Tetley’s management of trying to intimidate workers instead of addressing their concerns over pay, claiming that bosses are spending money on “trumped-up” legal claims rather than resolving the pay dispute.
Despite previous negotiations, Tata remains firm on its stance, stating that it has tabled two pay offers and implemented contingency plans to minimise disruption to supply. The company emphasised its commitment to maintaining UK operations but warned that it must remain competitive to support the factory’s future growth.
