GMB Members At Morrisons Vote For Strike Action

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Date: 16 September 2005

London meeting today will decide the next steps

GMB members working at Morrisons in Alyesford and Warrington have voted by a clear majority to take strike action. Over 60% voted for strike action and 82% voted for action short of a strike.

The YES vote backs up that of the TGWU members at Morrisions distribution network across the country.

Senior Officials and Morrison Shop Stewards from GMB and T&G are meeting in London this afternoon to consider the ballot results, the company’s offer of talks, the offer by ACAS to become involved and give detailed consideration as to what form of industrial action will take place and on what dates. To date the company has offered to meet the unions separately. The unions are insisting that the company must have a national meeting with the two unions and the senior representatives of the workforce.

Paul Kenny, GMB Acting General Secretary said, “This is a clear message from the Morrison workforce to the management of the company to listen to them and be honest about the future. Sir Ken says his door is always open. Now he must be prepared to meet the unions for so some straight talking and some serious negotiations if the strike action is to be averted.”

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Contact: Steve Pryle, GMB Press Officer on 07921 289880 or Rose Conroy, GMB Press Officer on 07974 251823.

Notes to editors:TGWU announced yesterday that its members at Morrisons distribution depots in Cheshire, Bristol and Yorkshire have voted by 3 to 1 for strike action.