Milk supplies could be hit by Easter strike action

Arla's milk price is set to fall from May 25

Members of the GMB and Unite at Leeds-based Arla Foods are having their employment transferred to Moran Logistics this weekend, but the unions say there has been no guarantee of maintaining the same pay and conditions.

The unions plan to serve notice on Leicestershire-based Moran Logistics on Monday, March 9 for a ballot of strike action and/or industrial action short of a strike if their assurances sought on pay and jobs are not forthcoming.

The unions aim to conclude the balloting process by the third week in March.

They warned that milk supplies to supermarkets in the north of England could be caught up in any disruption, with industrial action a possibility during the busy Easter period.

Rachel Dix, a regional officer for the GMB, said: “Our members are incredibly upset and angry. They feel that Arla is relinquishing all responsibility for a long-serving, loyal workforce.

“This is compounded by the company’s refusal to share key information on how cost savings can be generated by this transfer.

“In the absence of this detail, we can only conclude that both pay and jobs will be put at risk. This has to be challenged.”

Unite national officer, Matt Draper, warned: “Unless Moran Logistics gets around the table for meaningful negotiations about recognising the unions and guaranteeing our members’ terms and conditions, the drivers could be striking over the forthcoming Easter holiday which will disrupt milk distribution to supermarkets.”