Strike to hit newspaper distribution

Newspaper distribution staff based at Ashford’s Orbital Park will go on strike for two days over a “pitiful” pay offer by their bosses.

As many as 300 Unite Union members at Menzies Distribution depots across the country were balloted after a pay offer in April which saw their wages rise by 5p per hour to £7.25.

They also say that double time pay and time off in lieu for those working on several bank holidays has also been scrapped.

The union has warned that the walkouts could mean commuters won’t be able to grab a copy of their favourite morning newspapers at railway stations or newsagents, particularly in Kent.

Unite national officer Ian Tonks said it will be the first ever walkout to be staged by packers, pickers and drivers at Menzies, after deadlock in talks over the last three months.

He said: “The wiping out of extra pay and time off for bank holidays has caused anger among our members.”

Menzies Distribution says it has put in a “robust” contingency plan to cope with the strike.

Strike action will begin at 11pm tomorrow (Friday) for 24 hours, followed by a walkout on Monday from 7pm for a further 24 hours.