Gadbrook Morrisons warehouse workers begin strike action over pensions

Undeterred by the rain, dozens of warehouse staff gathered outside the Gadbrook distribution centre to make their voices heard.

Among those on the picket line was Paul Lomax, regional officer for Unite the Union.

He said: “We’ve tried to resolve the issue for several months but to no avail.

“Morrisons need to contact Unite the Union, come back round the negotiating table and reverse their decision.”

Unite members braved the rain to make their voices heard (Image: Newsquest)

The strike comes after Morrisons reduced the amount it pays into pensions while making staff pay more in themselves.

Mr Lomax says members currently pay three per cent and the supermarket five per cent.

However, these proportions have been flipped, meaning workers are taking home less each month and are also likely to see their pension payouts reduced “significantly”.

Unite says the strikes also aim to address other concerns, including new “totally unachievable” pick rates and changes to job roles.

Also taking place at a Morrisons warehouse in Wakefield, the strike action is likely to cause shortages and empty shelves at around 500 supermarkets and convenience stores.

READ MORE: Shortages and empty shelves 'inevitable' as Morrisons workers head to the picket line

Despite this, Mr Lomax says the public’s support has been “absolutely superb”.

“They need to protest against Morrisons the same as we are doing,” he added.

"At the end of the day, it is going to have an adverse effect on our members and if the shelves are going empty at supermarkets, hopefully we will get the support we need.”

Staff at the two warehouses will be on strike until 5am on Sunday (May 26), with a further three days of action in June.

Morrisons say they offered new proposals, including pay awards and changes to the pension scheme, which were rejected by Unite.

The supermarket chain has also put special measures in place to avoid any “significant” disruption.

A spokesperson said: “We have made a number of new proposals to Unite including a nine per cent pay award, a new Service Award scheme and improvements to the planned future Pension Scheme changes.

“Disappointingly, Unite has chosen to reject these new proposals without putting them to its members, and instead are continuing with strike action at two out of our seven logistics sites, initially over three days.”

Morrisons lorries could still be seen coming and going from the distribution centre (Image: Newsquest)

The spokesperson added: “The two affected depots at Gadbrook and Wakefield are open but operating at a reduced capacity. 

“We have put in place detailed contingency plans across the business and are confident that our customers, stores, suppliers and partners will not be significantly affected. 

“We remain open to further dialogue with the union.”