Britain's favourite tea could be in short supply after almost 150 Tetley workers voted for strike action in a dispute over pay.
The factory is the only producer of Tetley's tea in the UK, and there are concerns that a worker strike could see a teabag shortage on shop shelves.
A vast majority - 97 per cent - of GMB Union members at Tata Consumer Products Limited, in Teesside, voted for strike action.
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A GMB Union spokesperson cited real terms pay cuts, pay rises which are not adequately adjusted for inflation, as the reason for the potential strike action.
The union says that the predominately female workforce has suffered years of real terms pay cuts, with the proposed pay change just the latest.
Laura Maughan, GMB Organiser, said: "Tetley workers have faced years of real terms pay cuts.
"Now, during a cost-of-living crisis, they are standing together and demand better.
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"They are struggling to support their families, unable to escape from domestic abuse in some cases and are having to resort to food banks.
"All they’re asking for is fair pay for their skilled work.
"Their quality of life has been eroded over time, and it’s in Tata’s power to change this for the workers, their families and for the future of decent paid jobs in Teesside."
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