Deliveries of Fosters, Heineken, Kronenbourg, John Smith’s, Strongbow, and Britvic soft drinks will be significantly affected by strike action, union Unite has warned.
The union has given notice of strike action at Kuehne + Nagel Drinks Logistics, which delivers to a range of hospitality sites, airports and businesses including Wetherspoons, Wells and Young’s, after urgent talks to settle a dispute over the company’s plans to restructure its depots fell through last week.
Workers will carry out a 24-hour strike next week beginning on Wednesday 11 September at 10.00am, finishing at the same time on Thursday 12 September.
The union has not ruled out further strikes.
“KNDL’s refusal to take our concerns seriously mean there will be significant disruption to the supply of beer right across the country,” said Unite national officer Rhys McCarthy.
“We have tried to negotiate with the company but it has stubbornly refused to solve this dispute”.
Union members fear that plans by KNDL to move its stock from 29 depots to three super-hubs will cause delivery problems and eventually lead to job losses.
‘Disappointed’
“In our meeting with Unite on the 29 August and in subsequent discussions with the union, the company reiterated its desire to engage in meaningful dialogue including suggesting the involvement of ACAS in an effort to resolve this dispute. We are therefore extremely disappointed that the notice of industrial action has been issued prior to further discussions taking place,” said a KNDL spokeswoman.
“We are currently working closely with our customers and, in the event of strike action, we have contingency plans in place and will seek to minimise disruption to our nationwide deliveries.
“We remain committed to resolving this dispute prior to any action being taken and will be seeking to meet again with Unite in an effort to achieve this.”
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