Bedford Movianto workers angry over lack of paid breaks and poverty wages

Nearly 120 Bedford workers at Movianto, a specialisist medical warehousing company, are to strike over pay, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

The low paid workers have rejected a 3.5 per cent 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 and 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 that supplies hospitals and pharmacies across the south of England.

Unite’s members carry out warehouse functions such as pickers and forklift truck drivers. Strike action is likely to cause significant disruption to medical supplies across southern England.

The workers will strike from 9 September to 7 October. Industrial action will intensify if the dispute is not resolved.

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.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.