Kuehne + Nagel Drinks Logistics has vowed to work closely with all its customers and use contingency plans, to minimise any disruption resulting from strike action by Unite.
The union called a 24 hour strike for 11th September and has threatened further strikes if its demands are not met.
Members of KNDL’s management team met with Unite on Monday, hoping to resolve the issue, but the two parties failed to reach a decision.
A Kuehne + Nagel spokesperson said: “With the support of its customers and lengthy consultation with employees, including Unite members, KN Drinks Logistics has spent a number of years transitioning to a more flexible distribution model, which will hold stock at three existing large “hubs” supported by 23 transit points across the country. Eleven of these 23 transit points formerly operated as limited stock-holding locations.
“This model meets the changing demands of the market due to consumer behaviour, ensures the long-term sustainability of drinks distribution to licensed premises, and safeguards jobs for the future.
“We’ve made a number of proposals, including commitment to undertake further meaningful consultation with Unite prior to implementing further changes to its distribution network, but the union was not prepared to accept these proposals and also refused to accept the company’s offer to involve ACAS in further discussions.”
