Staff at the Müller factory in Gloucestershire are set to go on strike, threatening M&S and Waitrose with more disruptions to their milk deliveries.
HGV drivers, shunters and other staff at the dairy company have said they are going to walk out a number of times over the coming weeks due to imposed rota changes.
Workers have been moved to a five day on, two day off rota system, which contravenes an agreement with Unite signed by the company earlier this year.
Around 70 staff members who are responsible for delivering milk and other dairy products to M&S and Waitrose stores have taken nine days of strike action since August 25.
They are claiming that the imposed rota changes are detrimental to their quality of life.
More strike action and walkouts is to expected to come this week and next, starting from September 22 to October 1. If the dispute is not resolved, more strikes will be scheduled.
Supplies to Tesco and Sainsbury’s are also expected to be disrupted.
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,” they 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,” Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said.
She added: “So, Müller should step back from breaking that agreement. Our members have Unite’s full backing in the stand they are taking.”
Unite regional officer Amy Roberts said: “Our members will not move until Müller keeps its promises.
“The impact the strikes will have on Müller’s customers is a direct consequence of the company’s bad faith actions. Muller signed an agreement; it needs to abide by it.”
