Bedford, UK: Workers based at Movianto’s s warehouse in Bedford have been striking all this week (since 8 January) in a dispute over union recognition.
Movianto handles storage and distribution for pharmaceutical and healthcare products. Over 85 Unite members have been campaigning for Unite to be officially recognised but Movianto has strongly resisted such moves, says the union. Workers voted in favour of industrial action by nearly 80%.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Movianto has been given the time to come back to the table but are continuing to stick their fingers in their ears. Our members want formal recognition for their union and are now heading to the picket line in their campaign.
“Unite does what it says on the trade union tin – we fight for the jobs, pay and conditions of our members and those at Movianto have the full support of their union in this fight for trade union representation.”
Unite regional officer Richard Gates said: “Our members are being forced to head to the picket line as Movianto refuses to seriously engage with Unite over formal recognition. This is something our members clearly want, as shown by the overwhelming ballot result.”
Movianto told the BBC that it “acknowledges” the workers’ right to strike and was “committed to maintaining open lines of communication”.
