HUNDREDS of workers at Birmingham’s world-famous Cadbury’s chocolate factory are voting on strike action after accusing bosses of breaking a pay-deal.

The Unite Union began balloting members today for industrial action.

A strike among the 1,300-strong workforce would hit supplies of some of the most popular chocolate products, including Wispa, Crunchie, Dairy Milk and Creme Egg.

Cadbury bosses have strongly denied claims that they are breaking any deal and insist any proposed action will have no impact on chocolate supplies.

Jennie Formby, Unite national officer for the food and retail sector, said: “All Cadbury’s managers have to do is keep their promise to the workforce and production will not be disrupted.

“The workers are angry that while Cadbury’s managers and shareholders carve up a hefty 30 per cent leap in profits, made by the hard work of the employees, workers are left choking on the crumbs, a derisory half per cent in their pay packets.

“It is unacceptable a company as profitable as Cadbury’s seeks to use a recession to snatch back money meant for workers.

“We ask Cadbury’s now to honour their commitments because these workers deserve nothing less than the fair pay they were promised.”

“The pay issue is particularly important for the Somerdale workers because they were counting on a two per cent pay increase to enhance not just their last earnings with the company before their factory closes and production goes to Poland, but also to boost their final redundancy pay.”