The distribution of hospital and pharmacy supplies in southern England is facing disruption as Movianto warehouse workers prepare to strike after rejecting a “poverty” pay deal and slamming the company for its “greed”.
Nearly 120 Bedford workers at Movianto - a specialist medical warehousing company which is part of the Yusen Group - are to strike from 9 September to 7 October, union Unite is warning.
The union added that industrial action will intensify if the company does not improve its offer.
The dispute centres around the warehouse workers lack of paid breaks and low wages, Unite said.
The workers have rejected a 3.5% pay offer from Movianto.
Their demands include a pay rise “that better reflects the rising cost of living and paid breaks”, the union said.
Unite is warning that strike action could cause “significant disruption” to medical supplies across southern England.
Its members carry out warehouse functions such as pickers and forklift truck drivers at the Bedford distribution centre, which supplies hospitals and pharmacies across the south of England with medical equipment and medication.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Movianto and Yusen have more than enough money to offer these workers paid breaks and a fair pay rise.
“Movianto’s Bedford workforce will receive Unite’s full backing in taking strike action until that happens.”
Unite national officer Alan Brkljac added: “Movianto is entirely responsible for the widespread disruption to medical supplies its greed will cause.
“It can fully afford to end poverty pay and provide paid breaks but is choosing not too out of greed.
“Strikes can still be avoided but that will require an acceptable offer.”
Yusen Logistics completed the acquisition of Movianto in December last year.
