Muller’s drivers continue to strike

HGV drivers and shunters at Muller’s Stonehouse factory in Gloucestershire are on strike due to rota changes which they feel are detrimental to their quality of life.

So far they have taken 14 days of strike action - with more strikes planned - which has led to a lack of milk in supermarkets.

Nearly 70 staff are responsible for delivering milk and other dairy products to M&S and Waitrose nationwide.

The drivers’ work schedule is currently five days on two days off. The rota system is said to contravene an agreement with Unite signed by the company this year.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Muller knows very well that the new rotas will negatively impact our members’ quality of life because it recently signed a deal with Unite ruling such changes out. So, Muller should step back from breaking that agreement.”

A spokesperson for Muller said: “It is important to stress that the rota changes which have been implemented were agreed with joint trade unions last year. The agreement followed a consultation process and aims to transition those on legacy five days working and three days off patterns to align with the five days working and two days off pattern which most fulltime employees in the UK are familiar with.

“Following the introduction of rota changes, which are not related to pay, a small number of logistics employees at our Severnside site voted in favour of industrial action.

“We have thorough plans in place to ensure deliveries of dairy products to our customers will not be affected.”