Workers Strike at Major UK Turkey Facility Over Pay Dispute

Workers at the Magnavale Easton frozen food facility in Lincolnshire have initiated a two-week strike over unresolved pay disputes, raising concerns about the availability of turkey supplies ahead of Christmas. The strike commenced on December 1, 2025, and is set to last until December 14, 2025. This facility is one of the largest frozen turkey storage sites in the UK, employing nearly 100 staff members and handling products for notable brands, including Bernard Matthews and 2 Sister Food Group.

The action taken by members of the GMB Union reflects frustrations over pay. GMB organiser Andy Groves expressed the workers’ sentiment, stating, “These workers aren’t asking for the world, just a pay packet that covers the bills this Christmas.” He criticized the company’s offer of a 0% pay increase as “a total insult to hardworking members of staff.” Groves emphasized the importance of the Easton site in supplying festive turkeys across the Midlands and called on company management to return to the negotiation table.

Concerns about turkey availability have emerged due to the strike, particularly as it coincides with the busy holiday season. Despite this, Magnavale, which operates four sites and employs over 500 people, claims that the strike only directly affects 35 staff members at the Easton facility. A company spokesperson reassured the public that operations would continue as normal, stating, “While Magnavale is disappointed that the GMB Union chose to take this action at the Easton site, there is no risk to any ongoing operations, and all business operations will continue as usual with no interruption.”

The spokesperson clarified that the dispute centers on pay for 2024, despite increases already awarded for 2025. The company described the industrial action as “limited” and assured that they are prepared to manage the situation without impacting their supply chains.

Located near Grantham, the Easton facility, which opened in March 2025, boasts a fully automated cold storage system with a capacity of 101,000 pallets. It forms an integral part of Magnavale’s network of temperature-controlled storage solutions. The site is prominently visible from several surrounding villages and the A1 road, emphasizing its significance in regional supply logistics for frozen food products.

As the strike unfolds, both the workers and the company are facing pressure to reach a resolution that addresses the employees’ pay concerns while ensuring that the demand for Christmas turkeys remains met during this critical period.