Coffin factory workers have announced fresh strikes after talks broke down over pay disputes.

Unite members will continue picket lines this month outside Co-op Funeralcare in Govan, the Co-op’s only factory in the UK.

Coffin production to halt in the UK

Coffinmakers walked out for the first time on Monday, October 31, halting coffin production after rejecting what the union described as a real-terms pay cut.

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

They will remain on strike until just before 8am on November 7 and have announced the new strikes after talks to resolve the dispute with Acas failed.

From November 14 to 21, Unite members will strike with no further talks planned and disruption could continue into the new year.

Willie Thomson, Unite regional officer, said: “The determination of our members to win a fair wage deal remains resolute and Coop Funeralcare must recognise this or risk a long and damaging dispute.

“It is totally unacceptable to ask our members to take a real-term pay cut during a cost of living crisis.

“Our members deserve better.

“It’s time for the Co-op to show they are different from ‘bad bosses’ and come to the negotiating table with a significant offer to end this dispute.

"With the full backing of Unite our members will continue to fight for a decent wage.”

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Sharon Graham, Unite secretary, said: “Unite representatives attended Acas in the hope of an improved offer.

“The employer however failed to come to the meeting with anything more for our members and so strike action will continue with the full support of Unite.

“The Co-op should be under no illusion that Unite members are up for the fight.”

A spokesperson from Co-op Funeralcare advised amid the first strikes that bereaved families would not be impacted by coffin availability as they had a 'strong supply'.

They said: "Our colleagues at our Glasgow coffin factory are a hugely valued part of our Co-op and following ongoing discussions with Unite we are disappointed that we have not been able to reach an agreement about pay. 

"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 would like to provide full reassurance that the strike has no impact on our ability support to bereaved families and we are able to maintain a strong supply of coffins."