In a move that could disrupt the delivery of Covid-19 and flu vaccinations to the NHS this winter, workers at the healthcare logistics firm Movianto are set to take strike action later this month over its failure to table a pay offer for this year.
The GMB Scotland union has served statutory notice to management for action involving 23 workers based at Movianto’s distribution in Chapelhall, North Lanarkshire, which serves as a supply chain hub to NHS Scotland and private health providers.
An initial two 24 strikes will take place on 28 October and 31 October, with the prospect of more dates being confirmed, involving drivers and warehouse operators.
GMB Scotland organiser Alan Ritchie said: “Movianto bosses have left key workers to face the biggest cost of living crisis in forty years without a decent pay rise, while the company’s profits soared during the pandemic - it is another example of everything that’s wrong in the economy.
“The pay increase should have been delivered in April but six months on and with a grim winter rapidly coming down the line it’s scandalous that Movianto continues to drag it heels on bringing forward a decent pay offer for our members’ consultation.
“Movianto’s workers have been a vital cog in the pandemic response and the company’s growth, and they deserve to be valued better for everything they’ve done, but unless management acts fast then strike action later this month looks inevitable.”
Movianto has been contacted for comment.
The company is part of the Walden Group, founded in 1951 as a service for the distribution of healthcare products.
Movianto employs more than 2,600 people across a network of 20 logistics centres in 11 European countries.
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