The official opening of Morrisons’ new £50m regional distribution centre near Kettering is likely to be overshadowed by nationwide strike action, the GMB union has warned.
Building work on the 71-acre Latimer Park RDC site, the largest owned by Morrisons, will be completed and handed over on September 23 - the day after unions intend strike action to begin.
GMB officer Steve Pryle said the action was as a result of Morrisons’ management refusing to disclose details of its restructuring plans. He said union members believed a document exists outlining exactly which RDCs will be shut down.
Last week, Morrisons’ management addressed warehouse staff. “Members in the Aylesford and Warrington sites - the two Safeway DCs that we
expect to close - have been told that because of media speculation, head office was confirming that some depots would close. But they couldn’t say which ones or when. What’s the point?” said Pryle.
Results of the ballot are expected on Thursday (September 15), with action due a week later.
A spokesman for Morrisons said it was inappropriate to comment on speculation while the distribution network review was ongoing.

Topics