Several grocery retailers could see supplies of various dairy lines disrupted in the coming weeks due to strike action by HGV drivers and shunters at Müller’s Stonehouse factory in Gloucestershire.
According to trade union Unite, HGV drivers and shunters at Mullers’ Stonehouse factory in Gloucestershire will strike over imposed rota changes by the company that will negatively impact the workers’ quality of life. The change to a five days on two days off rota system contravenes an agreement with Unite signed by the company earlier this year.
Nearly 70 staff, responsible for delivering milk, flavoured milk and potted cream to M&S and Waitrose nationwide, will strike on 25, 26 and 27 August and 1, 2 and 3 September. More strikes will be set if the dispute is not resolved.
“The company have deliberately broken an agreement ratified with Unite earlier this year that expressly stated rotas would not change. Unite will defend our members’ jobs, pay and conditions with the full force of the union. Muller signed an agreement – it must stick to it,” Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said.
The strikes will disrupt the supply chain of milk products to the Muller sites’ main customers M&S and Waitrose. Supplies to Sainsbury’s and Tesco, which also receive deliveries from the Stonehouse plant, could also be disrupted.
Unite regional officer Amy Roberts said that Muller is acting in very bad faith and this behaviour will now impact their customers.
“Our members are resolute in their determination to force the company to abide by the original agreement. They will not stand for such attacks on their work/life balance. Muller needs to scrap these excessive rota demands,” Roberts said.
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