The trade union GMB will fight Burton’s Biscuit Company proposals to terminate 64 jobs at its manufacturing plant in Scotland.
Burton’s Biscuits produces Maryland Cookies, Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels along with other biscuit brands.
Alex McLuckie of GMB said that management had stated redundancies might have been necessary, but it was not expected to be on the scale announced.
The biscuit firm's management attended talks with the union in May, he said.
While there had been some discussion about the need to reduce staff numbers, it was lower than 64, he added.
McLuckie believes the timing of the voluntary redundancies offer was convenient as staff were already involved in a pay dispute.
He is also concerned that the number of redundancies would be counter-productive to the site's performance.
In a statement, the company said that Burton’s Biscuit Company continually reviews its business to identify the changes that are required to improve capabilities and competitiveness, and "64 roles will regrettably be made redundant" at Burton’s Edinburgh facility.
"The company met with the GMB union on Wednesday June 25, and will be speaking to all affected employees."
Affected employees will enter a minimum 30-day consultation period.
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