By Craig McManamon

THE MANAGING director at Falkland’s Smith Anderson factory insists the company will not pander to union demands to avoid industrial action later this week.

In an interview with The Courier yesterday, Michael Longstaffe said the company, which has operated in Fife for 150 years, would not spend money it did not have.

“We have a very focused strategy for survival during extremely challenging times and I fully intend to implement and stick to our plan,” said Mr Longstaffe.

Unite, the UK’s largest trade union, is unhappy with Smith Anderson after the company introduced a six-month wage and salary freeze in February.

The company says the measure was forced on it due to the turbulent economy. However, Unite remains resolute in its commitment to hold a 24-hour strike on Wednesday which will also include a complete ban on overtime.

If no solution is found in time around 80 of the 210 workers employed at the Falkland site will picket the entrance from 7am on Wednesday morning.

Production is expected to go ahead according to Mr Longstaffe, who added, “We will do everything we can to ensure continued production.

“This is essential for all of our employees and will ensure our customers feel able to support Smith Anderson. They are our lifeblood for any future success.”

Mr Longstaffe continued, “Anything Unite can do to support this goal will be greatly appreciated.

“A strike this Wednesday will not.

“Frankly it is the last thing any of us need, including all of the Unite members at Falkland.”

Adding his views over the weekend was the local Liberal Democrat councillor, Andrew Arbuckle who appealed, “I urge both sides to find a sensible solution to avoid this action.”

The company which has only one plant in Fife manufacturing more than 40 million paper bags every week will face another day of industrial action on June 3 if no solution is found beyond Wednesday.