The Unite the Union members will walk out on 19 and 20 December in protest against Culina failing to offer them a pay rise.
Unite has said that the two days of strike action could lead to poultry shortages at Tesco and Marks & Spencer stores in the West Midlands, both of which are supplied by Avara Foods in Hereford, a meat manufacturer that has a contract with Culina.
The heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers have been in pay negotiations with Culina since April 2024, but Unite said that no offer has yet been made.
The trade union also suggested that further dates could be announced if negotiations with Culina are not reopened.
Meanwhile, new research from logistics software provider Samsara found that 72% of UK professional drivers are considering strike action before the end of the year.
Of the 500 drivers surveyed, almost half pointed to pay as their main concern.
Members have ‘full backing’
“Culina should be ashamed it is acting as a Scrooge employer,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.
“Our members deserve a pay rise this year and Culina need to realise that this isn’t just any strike – this is a Unite strike. And our members will have the full backing of their union in this dispute.”
Meanwhile, Unite regional officer Jason Richards added: “Our members do a skilled and vital job ensuring food gets from A to B on time. But they are not being valued by their employer who has refused to offer any pay increase whatsoever.
“This Scrooge-like behaviour is unacceptable and will see our members head to the picket line later this month.”
Culina is part of Culina Group, a network of logistics firms that operates more than 100 sites across the UK & Ireland.
Food Manufacture has reached out to Culina for comment.
On the prospect of wider HGV driver strikes, Samsara senior vice president Philip van der Wilt added: “With this apparent growing discontent among drivers, the logistics and transport sector stands at a critical crossroads and without meaningful change, the industry risks losing a significant portion of its essential staff.
“Improving working hours, workload management, and overall conditions for frontline workers is essential to maintaining a reliable workforce during this peak period. This is a pivotal moment for fleet-based businesses to consider innovative ways to support their drivers.”
