Morrisons staff at two distribution hubs are set to strike over changes to their pensions, according to union bosses.
Unite, the union representing workers, said around a thousand colleagues working as warehouse stock controllers, canteen staff and administrators voted “overwhelmingly” to take industrial action.
The strikes will take place at distribution hubs in Cheshire and Wakefield, West Yorkshire, with the first round of walkouts taking place from May 23 to 26.
The second round of strike action is planned between June 13 and June 16.
The announcement follows similar news from Asda, which has already experienced industrial action by supermarket staff in Gosport in Hampshire, Wisbech in Cambridgeshire and Lowestoft in Suffolk, the latter of which is facing strikes for the first time today (May 10).
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the strike vote came after Morrisons had forced “unmerited” changes to pension contributions.
The union claimed workers were being forced to increase contributions to their pensions and that Morrisons had reduced its own contributions, which could leave members about £500 worse off.
Other issues in the dispute are said to include the removal of a long service award, compulsory job role changes and the introduction of a new “pick rate” deciding the speed at which items must be packed from shelves.
Unite national officer Adrian Jones said: “Despite our best efforts over a number of meetings, it seems Morrisons is not interested in resolving this dispute as they have refused to change their mind over the changes.
“Along with a number of other issues, we have attempted to get management to see sense and find a way forward.”
Retail Week has contacted Morrisons for comment.
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