Unions threaten Easter action over Leeds firms’ jobs transfer

UNIONS are threatening to disrupt milk supplies over Easter in a dispute about the transfer of employees between two Leeds companies.

GMB and Unite plan to ballot workers to seek approval of a strike or other industrial action because of their concerns about pay and conditions being protected.

Drivers from Arla Foods in Leeds are being transferred over to Moran Logistics, which is refusing to allow the two unions to bargain collectively on behalf of their members.

Given the timetable of the ballot and the nitifications required, it would mean that action could be taken over Easter which would affect milk supplies to Tesco, Aldi, Morrison and ASDA supermarkets in the north of England.

Rachel Dix, GMB regional officer, said: “Our members are incredibly upset and angry. They feel that Arla is relinquishing all responsibility for a long-serving, loyal workforce.
 
“This is compounded by the company’s refusal to share key information on how cost savings can be generated by this transfer. In the absence of this detail, we can only conclude that both pay and jobs will be put at risk. This has to be challenged.”

Matt Draper, Unite national officer for road transport, added: “The drivers, with over 1000 years of loyal service, are being dumped by Arla – the company has repeatedly refused to share with the two unions the financial information to support this decision.
 
“The continued refusal to supply this data endorses the joint unions belief that pay and conditions will be attacked once the transfer has been completed. Morans refusal to recognise the unions strengthens this view further.”