Co-Op Funeral Care and Unite Members Industrial Action

That this House shows solidarity with Unite members working at Co-Op Funeral Care in Glasgow who are currently taking industrial action over pay; understands the context of the cost of living crisis with rising food costs, energy bills and inflation at a 41 year high; notes that the Retail Price Index is at its highest level since 1980; further notes that this means RPI is currently over 10% higher than the Co-Op Funeral Care’s latest 4% pay offer; is alarmed by the absence of planned talks with the employer, Co-Op Funeral Care; is disappointed to see this behaviour in a workplace that carries the Co-Op brand name; is surprised to see an organisation, like the Co-Op, whose values are linked to democracy, equality and caring for others, treating workers in such a way that has left them feeling forced to take industrial action; expresses concern that this dispute will continue risking significant coffin supply disruption at a time when seasonal mortality rates are highest; and urges Co-Op Funeral Care to get back round the table to engage in meaningful negotiations.