Booker’s Thamesmead drivers poised to strike over pay

The potential strike threatens to disrupt deliveries to more than 1,500 convenience stores in London and the South-east, says the drivers’ union, Unite.

The union is poised to issue notice to the employer for strike action, but wants to allow time for talks with the bosses on 21 to 23 September.

Unite warned that any industrial action will deepen the supply shortage crisis hitting many parts of the UK economy because of the lack of HGV drivers.

The Thamesmead drivers deliver to independent retailers under the Budgens and Londis brands.

The crux of the dispute is that the company put in place a temporary £5-an-hour pay uplift for about 40 drivers at its Hemel Hempstead depot because of the HGV driver shortage, but did not implement a similar uplift for the 40 drivers at the Thamesmead site.

Unite regional officer Paul Travers said: “This is really ‘smell the coffee’ time for the bosses at Booker Retail Partners. Our members at Thamesmead could not have sent out a clearer message – 100% voting in favour of strike action.

“We are poised to issue notice for strike action very soon, which will cause serious disruption to more than 1,500 convenience stores on London and the South-east.

“However, we are holding crucial talks on 21 to 23 September. If those talks don’t result in a fair settlement, there will be strikes, as our members are up for a long, drawn-out fight for pay justice.”

A Booker spokesperson said: “We are naturally disappointed with last week’s ballot result from our Thamesmead drivers but look forward to sitting down with their Unite representatives on 21 September and working together to find a resolution.”