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Cadbury union criticises Kraft boss

Date: 6/4/2010 11:20:10

Search: Cadbury Kraft report

Union leaders have called on the chief executive of food giant Kraft to meet Cadbury workers in the wake of a report by MPs criticising the firm over its takeover of the chocolate-maker.

Unite also repeated its demand for a "Cadbury law" to prevent hostile takeovers of successful British companies by overseas multi-nationals.

The move came ahead of a report by the Business Select Committee which was critical of the US company, especially its pledge to keep open Cadbury's Somerdale factory in Somerset.

The company changed its mind after completing the takeover, leading to the loss of 400 jobs.

Jack Dromey, deputy general secretary of Unite, said Irene Rosenfeld, Kraft's chief executive, should now meet Cadbury workers in Britain and Ireland.

"Kraft should heed the voice of Parliament to meet Cadbury workers face to face. Irene Rosenfeld must now come to the birthplace of Cadbury, Bournville in Birmingham," he said.

In its report, being published on Tuesday, the committee will say: "Kraft acted both irresponsibly and unwisely in making its original statement that it believed that it could keep the Somerdale factory open.

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"By doing so, Kraft has left itself open to the charge that either it was incompetent in its approach to the Somerdale factory or that it used a cynical ploy to improve its public image during its takeover of Cadbury. Its actions have undoubtedly damaged its reputation in the United Kingdom and has soured its relationship with Cadbury employees."

Kraft executives admitted to the committee last month that the firm's reputation had been hit and pledged to work to restore good relations.

The decision to press ahead with the closure of the Somerdale factory, and transfer work to Poland, will lead to the loss of 400 jobs.

2012 © Press Association

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The victim, named by sources as 23-year-old Mark Short, was gunned down in the Cotton Tree pub in Market Street, Droylsden, Greater Manchester shortly before 11.50pm yesterday.Three other men, believed to be related to Mr Short, were also injured and are

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