Tradeteam delivery drivers are gearing up for strike action after their union balloted for industrial action in a row over “unmanageable loads”.

Unite said around 100 drivers employed by the DHL-owned drink logistics company would be casting their votes between 29 May and 12 June.

If the workers decide on strike action then deliveries to pubs, bars and restaurants owned by Greene King, Wetherspoons, Mitchells & Butlers and Whitbread across northern England could be affected.

Deliveries of drinks brewed by Carlsberg and Coors could also be hit.

Unite regional officer Harriet Eisner said: “The focus of this dispute is the delivery of unmanageable loads that is being imposed by the Tradeteam bosses which, we believe, creates serious health and safety concerns for our members.

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“The employer’s failure to adhere to the planned times for deliveries, which were revised in 2018 following a previous dispute, has now led to unrealistic planned hours for drivers.

“The dispute affects about 100 drivers and drivers’ mates working out of the Immingham and Tinsley depots supplying drink to the pubs and clubs across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the north Midlands.”

Eisner added that the “drinks drought” would be avoided if Tradeteam management came back to the negotiating table with realistic delivery loads.

In a statement Tradeteam said: “We are disappointed that Unite is balloting its members on industrial action.

“Talks are continuing with the aim of reaching a satisfactory outcome for all parties at the earliest opportunity.”

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