Arla has pushed ahead with its decision to close the Settle creamery, but GMB Union has vowed to fight on.
The company has rejected alternative proposals put forward by GMB, North Yorkshire Council, and the Combined Authority, including a greenfield site, product diversification, and shared production use of the Settle site.
GMB Union has described the move as a 'devastating blow' to workers, the local economy and the rural community of Settle.
At a consultation meeting on Friday 25 April, senior Arla executives confirmed plans to relocate production to Lockerbie, dismissing alternative options
Deanne Ferguson, GMB Organiser, said:
“We are extremely disappointed Arla has chosen not to take forward any of the alternative business cases put forward through a genuine and collaborative effort with key stakeholders.
"Our commitment to the workers at Settle remains absolute and we will not let the town lose 130 skilled jobs without a fight.
"GMB will now move to ballot our members on potential strike action.
"We urge Arla to keep the door open for further dialogue and GMB remains ready to work constructively with management."
