The trade union said that management at the firm’s site in Hemel Hempstead have “unfairly singled out” Unite shop stewards for disciplinary action in what the union described as “trumped-up charges”.
Food Service Logistics is a primary supplier to the Starbucks retail network in the south of England, including franchised stores. Starbucks has also come under fire in recent years after facing accusations of unfair dismissals and union busting in the US.
The reps involved are a senior shop steward and their deputy, both of whom have been accused of being involved in an altercation and face disciplinary hearings next week. This is after they were told to conduct work that is not in their job description and now, Unite said.
Disciplinary action comes after the Unite stewards in question previously brought grievances against Food Service Logistics, including discrimination for trade union activity and behaviour of management towards them and other Unite members.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a case of union busting, pure and simple - and Unite will not idly stand by while two hardworking shop stewards are singled out in this way.
“We will always do whatever it takes to defend our members and shop stewards from discrimination and we demand that Food Service Logistics do the right thing and stop this disciplinary action now.”
Food Manufacture has reached out to Food Service Logistics for comment.
A recent ballot of Unite members working at Food Service Logistics found that 100% want the two shop stewards reinstated.
The next steps could involve balloting for strike action over the dispute should the disciplinary hearings go ahead as planned on 4 and 5 August.
Unite regional officer Alan Brkljac added: “Food Service Logistics are clearly unfairly targeting these two Unite representatives due to the fact they are highly successful and respected shop stewards.
“Essentially, they are being penalised for being too good at the union work they do. No worker should face losing their jobs due to undertaking trade union activity and we demand that they are reinstated immediately otherwise there will be an escalation of further action.”
