Menzies Distribution is “optimistic” that strike action by 300 of its employees over pay and bank holiday working rules can be avoided.

Of 300 balloted Unite members, most of whom are pickers, packers and delivery drivers at the Scottish firm, 86% voted to strike and 91% voted for industrial action short of a strike.

The employees are disputing a pay change implemented in April, which sees them receive £7.25 an hour – 5p above the amended minimum wage. The change removed days in lieu and extra pay for seven of the eight annual bank holidays.

Ian Tonks, Unite national officer for the graphical, paper and media sector, said: “The wiping out of extra pay and time off for bank holidays have caused particular ire for our members, compounded by this company’s cloying addiction to minimum wage pay levels.

“Unite hopes that the threat of strike action will focus the minds of the management and that they get around the negotiating table and put forward a pay award that truly reflects the hard work that our members do 24/7.”

A spokesman for Menzies Distribution said: “After a positive process of wage negotiation with Unite the Union, we have been informed by the union’s representatives that their members have balloted in support of industrial action over some changes to bank holiday working conditions.

“We are engaged in further discussions with the union, and are optimistic that a resolution can be achieved.”

Unite said dates for the action will be announced in the next two weeks.

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