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.
The industrial action is linked to rota changes that union leaders claim will negatively impact the workers’ quality of life. The change to a five days on two days off rota system is said to contravene an agreement that Unite signed with the company earlier this year.
Nearly 70 staff, responsible for delivering milk, flavoured milk and potted cream to various retailers, will strike on 25, 26 and 27 August and 1, 2 and 3 September. More strikes are planned if the dispute is not resolved.
The Unite union claims that the strikes will disrupt the supply chain of milk products to the site’s 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 general secretary Sharon Graham said: “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. Müller signed an agreement – it must stick to it.”
NAM Implications:
- Consumer shoppers will simply focus on shelf-gaps.
- The issue is whether brands or retailers get the blame.
- While shoppers vote with their feet, and seek alternatives…
