Talks to avert strike action disrupting Booker deliveries were unable to go ahead, as union Unite claimed the wholesaler’s top managers are “missing in action.”
Managers at Booker Retail Partners (BRP) had initially agreed to meet the union to discuss a pay dispute involving 40 drivers at the wholesaler’s Thamesmead depot.
Unite opened a ballot for strike action until 3 September after claiming the wholesaler had refused to implement the same £5 pay rise given to lorry drivers at Booker’s Hemel Hempstead depot. However, Unite said top managers from BRP are now “missing in action,” meaning the arranged talks were unable to take place.
More than 1,500 convenience stores across London and the south east could have their deliveries disrupted, if the strike action goes ahead. The disruption would add to existing issues caused by a national shortage of lorry drivers and supply chain issues.
Unite regional officer Paul Travers said: “Despite the company indicating that it wanted to get pay talks started early to address the issue, the top managers have gone ‘missing in action’. We understand the general manager is on holiday and another senior manager has just disappeared from the scene.
“At a time when country faces the worst HGV driver shortage in modern times with an estimated 100,000 vacancies in the industry, it is the height of irresponsibility that there is no executive for Unite to negotiate with – it is worthy of a Fawlty Towers episode.
Travers added the drivers were “outraged” at the management and Booker as a whole. “They are very angry as they ballot for industrial action. We are gaining new members from other employees disgusted at the company’s contemptuous attitude.
“Despite the management’s lackadaisical attitude to employment relations, we are ready for serious talks with the management to resolve this issue – our door remains open for talks 24/7.”
Booker has been approached for comment.
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