Unions warn 2,500 jobs could go at Morrisons
Supermarket chain Morrisons is planning to close three distribution centres with the loss of 2,500 jobs, the GMB union has claimed.
The union’s warning comes as 8,000 depot workers and lorry drivers – represented by the GMB and the Transport and General Workers Union – vote on industrial action later this week, according to the Mail on Sunday. The result is due on Thursday.
The GMB said Morrison could face the biggest national strike in its history.
Although the Bradford-based chain said the dispute may affect only three of its 20 depots – in Kent, Bristol and Cheshire – the GMB said industrial action could evolve into a national walk-out.
The union claimed Morrison has already decided to close some depots without consultation.
The union warned supermarket shelves could be empty “within days” of any strike, adding it expected workers to vote in favour of industrial action in the row over job and working conditions.
Morrison has issued five profit warnings since buying Safeway last year.
