Around 600 workers at Booker subsidiary Best Food Logistics could walk out over Christmas in a dispute over pay, after members announced a ballot for industrial action.
The workers, who belong to the GMB union, rejected a pay increase of 6%, which they say would amount to a real-terms cut given soaring inflation.
According to GMB, 93% of members rejected the latest offer and a further 85% indicated that they wished to formally ballot for strike action.
The union said the date of the proposed ballot would be announced in the coming days.
Any proposed strike action could cause supply problems for a range of high street restaurants including Wagamama, Zizi, Pizza Hut and Burger King.
“These workers bust a gut to deliver fresh, just-in-time food to some of the biggest names in the business,” said GMB national officer Nadine Houghton.
“Best Food’s parent companies Booker and Tesco are making incredibly healthy profits and paying large dividends, while leaving these workers crushed by the cost of living.
“Now some of their biggest clients may well be left short this Christmas because they won’t meet GMB’s reasonable request for a pay deal that protects our members through this year and into next with a genuine increase.”
Meanwhile, a Best Food logistics spokeswoman said: “Best Food Logistics provides colleagues with a competitive and comprehensive reward package, and we are committed to a constructive dialogue with our colleagues and GMB to reach a way forward.
“We will be working closely with our customers to ensure they can continue to get the products they need and remain actively engaged with GMB to reach a positive outcome for our colleagues and customers.”
Last October, Booker drivers threatened industrial action over Christmas after a separate pay dispute, but the strikes were eventually called off after a pay review.
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