Bedford Movianto workers to strike over paid breaks and wages
Nearly 120 workers at Movianto – a specialisist medical warehousing company – are to strike over pay, according to union Unite.
They have rejected a 3.5% pay offer from Movianto, which is part of the multibillion-pound Yusen group.
Their demands include a pay rise that better reflects the rising cost of living as well as paid breaks.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Movianto and Yusen have more than enough money to offer these workers paid breaks and a fair pay rise. Movianto’s Bedford workforce will receive Unite’s full backing in taking strike action until that happens.”
Movianto is a storage warehouse and distribution centre for medical equipment and medication – based at the Link Logistics Park just off The Branston Way – which supplies hospitals and pharmacies across the south of England.
Workers plan to strike from September 9 to October 7.
Unite national officer Alan Brkljac said: “Movianto is entirely responsible for the widespread disruption to medical supplies its greed will cause. It can fully afford to end poverty pay and provide paid breaks but is choosing not too out of greed. Strikes can still be avoided but that will require an acceptable offer.”
A statement from Movianto said: “Our colleagues are a highly valued and integral part of our business, and we remain committed to ensuring that our approach to pay appropriately recognises the important contribution they make to Movianto and to the wider healthcare supply chain.
“We continue to maintain open and constructive communication with our colleagues and Unite the union as part of the ongoing discussions, with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable resolution.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and remain committed to ensuring the uninterrupted supply and access to healthcare products for our customers and patients.”