Banana supplies could be disrupted by a dispute between one of the UK's biggest importers and employees' union GMB.

The union has not ruled out demonstrations or strikes, which could damage production at Luton-based Pratts Bananas, although it added the two parties were still at the discussion stage. The GMB has accused Pratts of dragging its feet over agreeing union rights for distribution workers at the company's Luton premises.

GMB organiser Alan Costell said: "GMB has already co-operated with ACAS so it can verify that we have significant support, but the company is not prepared to accept this and keeps moving the goalposts."

Pratts Bananas said in response that it welcomed the GMB's involvement and expected an agreement to be reached shortly, adding it had the best interests of staff at heart.

Pratts supplies major chains including Tesco, M&S and Waitrose.

Topics