FSA pay dispute could see vets and meat inspectors strike

A pay dispute at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) could lead to meat shortages in the run-up to Christmas if several hundred staff vote to strike, the UK’s largest trade union has warned.

Unison said staff at the FSA are being balloted for strike action that could disrupt the supply chain and affect meat supplies during the festive season if there are not enough staff to work.

The FSA is responsible for meat plant inspections in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to check food safety and hygiene standards are being met.

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The dispute, involving several hundred inspectors, vets, and office-based staff in the three countries could “bring the industry to a halt”, according to Unison.

Concern has been raised about animal welfare if farmers are forced to hold on to livestock due to the potential vet shortages.

FSA staff voted to reject a pay offer of between 2% and 5% earlier this year. Unison had put forward a 10% pay claim and said the agency needed to come up with a “significantly higher” offer to avoid disruption.

Unison head of local government Mike Short said: “FSA staff play a vital role in keeping contaminated meat off people’s plates.

“But many have to work in difficult and unpleasant conditions inspecting carcasses for signs of disease.

“These employees protect consumers, ensure good animal welfare, and must be rewarded accordingly.”

The ballot closes on 31 October and the FSA said its contingency plans would minimise any disruption to meat supplies if there are strikes.

‘Maximum damage’

But Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association, said strike action would cause “maximum damage to the whole domestic and export supply chain” at one of the busiest times of the year.

“Without meat hygiene inspectors and official veterinarians, animals cannot be slaughtered and meat cannot be released and sent for sale in shops,” he said.

“Because of the geographical spread of abattoirs and meat processing plants, along with the specialised nature of the job, it won’t aways be possible for the FSA to re-direct non-striking staff to where they’re needed.”

Mr Allen said strike action had the potential to cause animal welfare issues if processors can’t take animals from farms due to a shortage of vets.

“This strike action will hurt the FSA, processors, consumers, farmers and animals alike.”