Wagon Wheel and Jammie Dodger shortage expected over strikes
8 December 2020, 16:54
Workers at DHL Supply Chain in Liverpool have announced strikes at its warehouse over allegations of victimisation and poor pay.
Staff responsible for delivering Wagon Wheels and Jammie Dodgers to supermarkets have voted to go on strike.
Workers employed by DHL Supply Chain in Liverpool will start industrial action for eight days over the Christmas and New Year period.
They are responsible for delivering the products for Burton’s Biscuits and AB World Foods, but unions say they will walk out over allegations of staff victimisation and poor pay conditions.
Other products expected to be missing from shelves include Patak’s curry pastes and Blue Dragon Thai ingredients.
About 120 members of Unite the Union are employed as warehouse operators and delivery drivers by DHL, at its delivery centre in Portal Way, Liverpool.
Union bosses claim the strike is a result of a number of its members being dismissed on “spurious grounds”.
Recent talks to avoid a strike collapsed as representatives rejected a pay rate of just 2.5p above the national minimum wage when it rises to £8.91 in April next year.
Wagon Wheel shortage looms as wheels fall off DHL’s operation in Liverpool.
"This is an incredibly profitable contract. The workers have kept it rolling along continuously through two lockdowns and have now said enough is enough" – Unite's Kenny Rowe https://t.co/wdgiWGOzqe
— Unite the union: join a union (@unitetheunion) December 8, 2020
Unite said it is seeking agreement that all workers will be paid at least 50p above the minimum wage.
Unite regional officer Kenny Rowe said: “The wheels are falling off DHL’s operation in Liverpool.
“Members are simply not prepared to accept poverty pay rates and workers being suspended or sacked on spurious charges, due to management victimisation, any longer.
“This is an incredibly profitable contract and the workers have kept it rolling along continuously through two lockdowns and they have now said enough is enough. DHL have got to stop dodging its responsibility to pay a decent rate.”
The strikes will take place between December 19 and December 24, and between December 29 and January 5.
DHL Supply Chain has been approached for comment.
A spokesman for Burton’s Biscuits said he had ‘every confidence’ that household favourites Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels would be in plentiful supply over the festive season.
He said: “We hope that agreement can be reached between DHL and Unite, but we can share some Christmas cheer and confirm that supermarkets and other retail outlets have adequate supplies of Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels.
“We do not envisage any shortages over Christmas.”
