Update: IUF Flags Difference in Protection for Unilever's Food Workers Outside Europe Under McCormick Merger

05:05 AM EDT, 09/18/2026 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with Unilever's statement) The International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers' Associations, or IUF, raised concerns about the difference in protection offered for Unilever (ULVR.L, UNA.AS) food business workers outside Europe under its merger with McCormick & Co. The labor group said Wednesday it is "appalled" over the double standards after the consumer goods company committed to ensuring that affected employees in Europe will continue to have the same overall pay and benefits for two years after their transfer to the enlarged company. The similar protection will be provided to employees outside the European region for one year. The IUF added that the company "refuses" to discuss a blanket commitment for all the affected workers globally, prompting it to take further steps. In a statement to MT Newswires, a Unilever spokesperson said the company continues to "engage constructively" with its works councils and other employee representatives with "good progress." The spokesperson added that Unilever remains focused on engaging with employees with "care and transparency" amid the separation process.