Movianto workers have voted in favour of a “much improved” pay deal following a dispute which brought them to the brink of striking - a move which could have threatened the distribution of hospital and pharmacy supplies across the south of England.
Almost 120 Bedford warehouse workers at specialist medical warehousing and distribution company Movianto voted in favour of strike action in early September after condemning Movianto’s offer of a 3.5% pay hike as a “poverty” pay deal.
However, just days before the month long strike was set to begin on 9 September, Movianto came up with an improved offer which the workers have voted to accept, union Unite has announced.
The workers will now receive a 4% pay rise backdated to April and further 1% from October.
The deal also includes improvements to overtime rates and redundancy payments and an increase in additional hourly payments for staff working in very narrow aisles.
Paid breaks will be introduced from March 2027 and pay will increase by a further 2% from April 2027. If inflation is higher than 4% by 2027, then pay talks will be reconvened.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent deal secured because Movianto’s Bedford workforce was prepared to go on strike. Well done to them.
“Once again, Unite’s relentless focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is reaping rewards for our members.”
Movianto, which is part of the Yusen group, is a storage warehouse and distribution centre for medical equipment and medication that supplies hospitals and pharmacies across the south of England. Unite’s members carry out warehouse functions such as pickers and forklift truck drivers.
Jaswinder Singh, Unite regional officer, said: “I want to thank our reps and members. Without their hard work and dedication, this deal could not have been secured.
“This result should be reminder to those looking for a better deal at work to join Unite and organise their colleagues to join as well.”
