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About 120 workers at Movianto UK’s warehouse in Bedford which stores and distributes medicines and medical devices to pharmacies and hospitals in the south of England will strike over pay.

Unite, which is representing the workers, accused Movianto, which is part of Yusen Logistics, of paying “poverty wages” and a “lack of paid breaks”. Unite said the workers, who rejected a 3.5 per cent pay offer from Movianto, will strike from September 9 until October 7 if the dispute is not resolved.

“Movianto and Yusen have more than enough money to offer these workers paid breaks and a fair pay rise,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. “Movianto’s Bedford workforce will receive Unite’s full backing in taking strike action until that happens.”

Unite said the workers “carry out warehouse functions such as pickers and forklift truck drivers” and warned strike action “is likely to cause significant disruption to medical supplies across southern England”.

When contacted by Independent Community Pharmacist, Unite did not reveal what the workers’ specific demands are, such as the percentage wage increase they want.

Unite said the supply of medicines to community pharmacies will be impacted by the strike but did not say how many pharmacies or what types of medicines will be affected. 

Unite national officer Alan Brkljac insisted Movianto was “entirely responsible for the widespread disruption to medical supplies its greed will cause”.

“It can fully afford to end poverty pay and provide paid breaks but is choosing not too out of greed. Strikes can still be avoided but that will require an acceptable offer,” Brkljac added.

Movianto did not respond when contacted by ICP.