Strike action by nearly 120 Bedford workers at Movianto, a specialist medical warehousing company, has been called off after a much-improved pay deal was secured.

The deal, negotiated by the Unite union, includes a four per cent pay rise backdated to April and a further one per cent from October.

Movianto, based at Bedford Link logistics Park, had initially offered the workers 3.5 per cent.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “This is an excellent deal secured because Movianto’s Bedford workforce was prepared to go on strike. Well done to them. Once again, Unite’s relentless focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is reaping rewards for our members.”

Staff at Movianto are celebrating a new pay deal

placeholder image — Staff at Movianto are celebrating a new pay deal

The deal also includes improvements to overtime rates and redundancy payments and an increase in additional hourly payments for staff working in very narrow aisles.

Paid breaks will be introduced from March 2027 and pay will increase by a further two per cent from April 2027. If inflation is higher than four per cent by 2027, then pay talks will be reconvened.

Movianto is a storage warehouse and distribution centre for medical equipment and medication that supplies hospitals and pharmacies across the south of England. Unite’s members carry out warehouse functions such as pickers and forklift truck drivers.

Unite regional officer, Jaswinder Singh, added: “I want to thank our reps and members. Without their hard work and dedication, this deal could not have been secured. This result should be reminder to those looking for a better deal at work to join Unite and organise their colleagues to join as well.”