Supplies of turkeys threatened this Christmas over a pay dispute. (Image: Getty)
Drivers who deliver turkey are set to go on strike due to a pay dispute, potentially leaving families without a main course.
The Unite union have said HGV drivers who deliver the turkeys to supermarkets will be striking this month after their employer, Culina, has not offered them a pay rise this year.
On December 19 and 20, the key days in the run up to Christmas where food shopping is done, will see around 40 members strike from driving.
Further action has also been threatened if company bosses do not offer more money.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Culina should be ashamed. It is acting as a Scrooge employer.
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Christmas dinners at risk of no turkey if drivers walk out on December 19 and 20. (Image: Getty)
“Our members deserve a pay rise this year and Culina needs to realise that this isn’t just any strike – this is a Unite strike. And our members will have the full backing of their union in this dispute.”
Culina, a Shropshire-based logistics company, works with Avara Foods to deliver poultry to warehouses belonging to two food giants, Tesco and Marks and Spencers.
Regional officer for Unite, Jason Richards, echoed Sharon, adding: “Our members do a skilled and vital job ensuring food gets from A to B on time. But they are not being valued by their employer who has refused to offer any pay increase whatsoever.
“This Scrooge-like behaviour is unacceptable and will see our members head to the picket line later this month.”
In more disruption news ahead of Christmas, Unite has also warned of travel chaos for people in Manchester after around 200 bus workers employed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) confirmed they will stage strikes shortly before Christmas over pay.
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Strikes are expected to take place on December 12, continuing through to December 15. A further strike will take place from the 20 to 23 too, with more dates threatened if an agreement is not reached.
Unite regional officer Howard Percival said: “The strike action will cause serious disruption across public transport throughout Greater Manchester but TfGM has brought this dispute on themselves through its poverty pay rates.
“It is in TfGM’s hands to resolve this dispute it needs to return to the negotiating table with a realistic offer that addresses low pay for all the affected workers.”