Drivers at Culina who deliver chilled poultry to strike this December.
Residents in the West Midlands could see empty tables this Christmas as HGV drivers who deliver chickens and turkeys to supermarkets go on strike this month.
Around 40 drivers who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, are taking industrial action after their employer, Culina, failed to offer them any pay rise this year.
Culina’s contract is with Avara Foods Hereford who supply Tesco and Marks & Spencers to deliver poultry from abattoirs to supermarket warehouses.
Despite being in pay negotiations since April, no offer has been made to drivers who have been left with little choice but to take industrial action.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Culina should be ashamed it is acting as a Scrooge employer. Our members deserve a pay rise this year and Culina need to realise that this isn’t just any strike – this is a Unite strike. And our members will have the full backing of their union in this dispute.”
Drivers will be taking strike action on 19 and 20 December just before Christmas. Given the just in time nature of supermarket deliveries this will cause serious disruption. More dates could be announced should the company refuse to come back to the negotiating table with an improved offer.
Unite regional officer Jason Richards added: “Our members do a skilled and vital job ensuring food gets from A to B on time. But they are not being valued by their employer who has refused to offer any pay increase whatsoever.
“This Scrooge-like behaviour is unacceptable and will see our members head to the picket line later this month.”
