Dartford, UK: DHL staff at Sainsbury’s Dartford regional distribution centre have voted for strike action over “union busting”. More than 350 DHL staff are now poised to stage walk outs throughout March, April and May.
The Dartford strike ballot was called after a Unite steward, who was providing support to a member of staff during an investigation hearing, was suspended for challenging a DHL manager’s version of events. The reason given for the suspension by the manager was that the Unite steward was being aggressive – an accusation contradicted by a neutral member of staff who was present at the meeting as a third party.
The Unite union said DHL can avoid any disruption to its Sainsbury’s contract if the “completely unjustified suspension” is revoked and industrial relations at the site improved.
Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “Strikes and the resultant disruption to Sainsbury’s Easter supply chain will go ahead unless DHL revokes the suspension and builds bridges with staff instead of knocking them down. DHL can avoid strike action if they reverse the suspension of our member and enter into peace talks. Unite is more than happy to facilitate this before strikes are officially announced.”
Unite national officer Matt Draper said: “DHL’s Dartford staff will not stand for bullying and harassment and will go on strike unless the unjust suspension of their colleague is reversed.”
