Workers call for deep clean of McVities factory in Tollcross following COVID-19 outbreak
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has confirmed there are “several” cases among staff who work at the site.
Workers for McVities in Tollcross are calling for the factory to be shut down for a deep clean after a Covid-19 outbreak.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has confirmed there are “several” cases among staff who work at the site.
The number of cases is not being revealed by pladis, which owns the factory, but union representatives believe there are more than 30.
Everyone surveyed by the GMB union, around 90% of 350 staff, wants departments, where workers have tested positive, to be closed for cleaning.
David Hume, GMB organiser, said: “This is a crisis that’s been seven months in the making.
“Management at Tollcross were well warned from the outset of this pandemic; our members told them they didn’t feel safe at work.
“They didn’t listen. They prioritised their profits over the health and wellbeing of their employees, their families, and the local community.”
A spokeswoman for pladis, which owns McVities, said staff safety remains the “number one priority”. She said the company was working with local health authorities.
The GMB has repeatedly raised concerns over the safety of workers in the factory.
“This is the human cost of this company’s failure to listen and act,” Mr Hume said.
“We know that bad employers and chronically poor working conditions create a toxic environment that allow Covid-19 to thrive, and McVities are the latest case in point.”
Almost 70% of respondents to the union’s survey said they believed their employer has handled the crisis very poorly – 100% believe more could have been done to protect staff.
One worker said cases were “skyrocketing” in the factory. “Shop floor staff morale has totally gone,” they added.
“Families have worried throughout this pandemic and it is getting worse as it goes on.”
Another staff member said: “Some people have families with underlying health conditions and children.
“The factory needs to be closed down and have a deep clean.”
In a statement, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “We are aware of several cases of Covid-19 among individuals who are employees at the McVities in Tollcross.
“Contact tracing is being carried out by our Test and Protect team and environmental health officers are working with the company to monitor the control measures in place to maintain workplace safety.
“To respect and maintain patient confidentiality, no further details will be released.”
The pladis spokeswoman said: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have been actively engaging with local health authorities who are confident that out site is taking every measure to ensure robust hygiene and social distancing measures are in place.
“We will continue to work closely with local authorities and follow all guidance laid out by the Government.”
Measures introduced include plastic barriers, one-way systems, staggered start times, increased hand sanitiser, enhanced cleaning and face coverings, the company said.
It also said all non-essential meetings and visits have been cancelled and employees with symptoms are told not to enter the site but to self-isolate, with full pay.