Unite has accused a Starbucks supplier of “union busting” after two shop stewards were suspended on what the trade union has described as “trumped-up” charges.
Unite has claimed that management at Food Service Logistics, based in Hemel Hempstead, have “unfairly singled out” the stewards, who are union representatives, for disciplinary action.
The union argued that a senior shop steward and their deputy have been accused of being involved in an altercation after being “singled out” to do work that is “not in their job description”. They both face disciplinary hearings next week.
Unite said these stewards had previously brought “numerous grievances” against Food Service Logistics, “including discrimination for trade union activity and behaviour of management towards them and other Unite members”.
Food Service Logistics is a primary supplier to the Starbucks retail network in the south of England, including franchised stores.
“This is a case of union busting, pure and simple – and Unite will not idly stand by while two hardworking shop stewards are singled out in this way,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.
“We will always do whatever it takes to defend our members and shop stewards from discrimination and we demand that Food Service Logistics do the right thing and stop this disciplinary action now.”
According to the union, a recent consultative ballot of Unite members working at Food Service Logistics found 100% want the two shop stewards reinstated.
Unite added that next steps could involve balloting for strike action over the dispute if planned disciplinary hearings go ahead on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 August.
Food Service Logistics said: “We cannot comment on ongoing employment matters.”
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