Morrisons in union talks over axing 100 distribution jobs
The retailer said it planned to introduce operational changes at the Wakefield site to improve efficiency. The changes include reviewing operating models and improving ways of working, “some of which may result in redundancies”, said the firm.
A Morrisons spokeswoman said the changes will improve responsiveness and help to improve the distribution centre’s service to stores.
‘Risk of any compulsory redundancies’
“We are consulting with colleagues and unions to reduce the risk of any compulsory redundancies including redeployment around our business,” said the spokeswoman. “We will be supporting all colleagues affected by the proposed changes.”
Unite acknowledged its officials were in talks with Morrisons management over the job losses at its Wakefield Junction 41 distribution centre.
“The troubled supermarket has said that it intends to make up to 100 job losses amongst its warehouse staff with the closure of one of the warehouses at the site.,” said the union in a statement today (May 16).
Some workers faced a reduction in their working week from 45 to 40 and others a move from the night shift to days, it said. Also the retailer was said to be trying to increase the flexibility of its drivers by making changes to their working patterns.
Unite regional officer Sarah Mitchell pledged to defend fiercely the interests of union members. “Unite will be fighting very hard on behalf of our members to mitigate the impact of these job losses which are devastating for those whose employment is under threat and for the Wakefield economy more generally,” said Mitchell.
‘Supermarket price wars’
“The cutbacks proposed stem from the fact that Morrisons is faring badly in the supermarket price wars against the likes of Aldi and Lidl, and has had to issue a profits warning.”
Unite promised to make a fuller statement when the talks have concluded.
The total workforce at the distribution centre is about 1,200, of which more than 1,000 are Unite members.
Meanwhile, the publication of Morrisons’ first quarter results earlier this month, led one City analyst to accuse the retailer of “dire trading”.
The retailer reported like-for-like sales down by 7.1% for the 13 weeks to May 4.
Another analyst judged Morrisons was “struggling to find its place in an increasingly polarised grocery market”.
