GMB Union has claimed a strike by its members at one of the country’s key turkey distribution sites has disrupted operations in the run-up to Christmas.
The union said footage released on its GMB Midlands X page shows queueing lorries, waiting to load up and deliver to major multiples, after action began at cold storage business Magnavale’s Easton site last week.
According to GMB, the Lincolnshire facility employs around 100 people and is one of the area’s largest storage facilities for frozen turkey products in the festive period, although Magnavale stated the strike impacted only 35 members of staff.
“Lorry drivers are visibly fuming as they arrive and leave the site,” said GMB organiser Andy Groves. “They’ve made 100-mile round trips to collect goods for companies like Morrisons, Tesco and M&S, only to find they risk waiting hours to stock up.”
He continued: “It’s time for Magnavale to get serious about ending this disruption and getting around the table with its workers.”
The cold storage business said the action related to a pay dispute from 2024 and came despite a pay increase this year.
More Christmas disruption as queuing trucks back up at Magnavale in Lincolnshire.
— GMB Midlands (@GMBMidlands) December 8, 2025
This is a major distribution hub for frozen Turkey 😳
It’s time for bosses to get serious about ending this, and quick. pic.twitter.com/LtLTQge4sQ
The company said it was “disappointed” with the strike but noted there was no risk to its operations and asserted they had not been disrupted.
“We’re happy to report there has been no interruption of service on site, and there is currently no delay to prearranged loading times,” a spokesperson said. “Our new, dedicated HGV parking areas are being utilised to great effect, to provide additional capacity for hauliers, and allow for pre-loading of trailers ready for dispatch, ensuring continued smooth operations through the Christmas period.”
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