HGV drivers and shunters at a Müller factory in Gloucestershire will begin a fresh round of strike action this week over imposed rota changes.
According to trade union Unite, the change to a five-days-on-two-days-off rota system at the Stonehouse site contravenes an agreement made between Unite and the company earlier this year.
Nearly 70 staff, who are responsible for delivering milk and other dairy products to M&S and Waitrose nationwide, have taken nine days of strike action since August 25.
A further six days of strike action will take place on September 22, 23, 24, 29 and 30, and October 1. More strikes are set to be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved, Unite said.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Müller knows very well that the new rotas will negatively impact our members’ quality of life because it recently signed a deal with Unite ruling such changes out. So, Müller should step back from breaking that agreement. Our members have Unite’s full backing in the stand they are taking.”
The Stonehouse plant delivers to supermarkets including M&S, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. Despite the planned strike action, Müller claims deliveries to its customers will not be affected.
A spokesperson for Müller Milk & Ingredients said: “Following the introduction of rota changes which reflect the evolving needs of our business, a small number of logistics employees at our Severnside site voted in favour of industrial action.
“It is important to stress that these changes do not relate to pay and we have thorough plans in place to ensure deliveries of dairy products to our customers will not be affected.”
Unite regional officer Amy Roberts said the union's members would "not move until Müller keeps its promises". She added: "The impact the strikes will have on Müller's customers is a direct consequence of the company’s bad faith actions. Müller signed an agreement; it needs to abide by it.”
READ NEXT
- Engineering firm Renishaw reports record results
- Melrose Industries to break up GKN by spinning off automotive and powder metallurgy divisions
- GKN Aerospace working with Bristol firm on liquid hydrogen fuel tests
Autonomous vehicle firm Aurrigo International to float on AIM
Spirax-Sarco reports 'strong' first half amid supply chain disruption and inflationary pressures
Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.
