Sainsbury’s stores across Scotland and Northern Ireland could see supply disruption next week as DHL workers are set to strike, having rejected the offer of a pay rise which amounted to a cut in real terms.
The upcoming strike plans – which were announced earlier this week by trade union Unite – revealed that an overwhelming 96% of DHL’s workers voted to take this action (across a 68% turnout).
It follows the rejection of DHL’s final offer which represented a pay cut in real terms as inflation hit a 40-year high last in June.
Over 300 Unite members who work at DHL’s distribution centre in Langlands Park, East Kilbride are taking action for a fair pay deal and equal treatment, as the company currently offers lower wages to workers based in Scotland, according to the union.
This distribution centre supplies the Big 4 grocer‘s stores across Scotland and Northern Ireland, meaning the move could affect stock reaching stores during the week-long industrial action, which is planned to be taking place from 13 to 20 August.
The strike notice was served by Unite under the auspices of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) as the union claims DHL did not make an improved offer.
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“Our DHL Sainsbury’s members deserve a fair pay rise and to be treated equally with their fellow workers based throughout the UK,” Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said.
“Unite will challenge DHL and its mega-wealthy owners. We don’t do our members being treated as ‘second class’. They have their union’s full support in this fight for better jobs, pay and conditions at DHL Sainsbury’s.”
Unite regional officer Willie Thomson added: “The cost of living crisis is impacting every DHL Sainsbury’s worker equally but this billion pounds company continue to value their workers at East Kilbride less than others based throughout the UK.
“We will not tolerate this second class treatment of our members. Strike action is always a last resort but our members have no option but to take a stand.
“The company will soon know the value of its workforce when there will be empty shelves in Sainsbury’s stores throughout Scotland and Northern Ireland. All our members are asking for is the same wage rise.”
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