Bedford warehouse strike could disrupt hospital and pharmacy supplies across southern England
Nearly 120 Movianto workers are set to walk out over pay and paid breaks
Nearly 120 warehouse workers at a Bedford medical supply company are set to strike in a dispute over pay and paid breaks.
The workers, employed by specialist medical warehousing firm Movianto, will walk out from 9th September until 7th October.
The union Unite, which represents the staff, has warned the action is likely to cause significant disruption to medical supplies across southern England.
Why the workers are striking
Movianto runs a storage warehouse and distribution centre for medical equipment and medication, supplying hospitals and pharmacies across the south of England.
Unite's members carry out warehouse functions including picking and forklift truck driving.
The workers have rejected a 3.5 per cent pay offer from Movianto, which is part of the Yusen group.
Their demands include a pay rise that better reflects the rising cost of living, as well as paid breaks.
Unite said industrial action will intensify if the dispute is not resolved.
What the union says
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 said: "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."
What Movianto says
A Movianto spokesperson said: "Our colleagues are a highly valued and integral part of our business, and we remain committed to ensuring that our approach to pay appropriately recognises the important contribution they make to Movianto and to the wider healthcare supply chain.
"We continue to maintain open and constructive communication with our colleagues and Unite the Union as part of the ongoing discussions, with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable resolution.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and remain committed to ensuring the uninterrupted supply and access to healthcare products for our customers and patients."