Covid logistics firm Movianto's North Lanarkshire workers prepared to strike over pay dispute

Workers at a North Lanarkshire healthcare logistics firm are preparing to strike – a move which could disrupt the autumn rollout of Covid-19 boosters and the flu vaccine.

Trade union GMB Scotland has served statutory notice to Movianto, in preparation of two strikes planned for later this month.

With potential to disrupt delivery of Covid-19 and flu vaccinations to the NHS this winter, 23 workers at the company’s Chapelhill-based distribution centre will take action over “company’s failure to table a pay offer for this year”.

An initial two 24-hour strikes will take place on October 28 and October 31, with the prospect of more dates being confirmed, involving drivers and warehouse operators.

The autumn flu and Covid vaccination programme was set in motion for thousands of people across the country early last month.

The autumn and winter Covid-19 booster vaccine is being offered to those at highest risk, including all adults aged 50 and over, as well as frontline health and social care workers.

“Movianto bosses have left key workers to face the biggest cost of living crisis in forty years without a decent pay rise, while the company’s profits soared during the pandemic – it is another example of everything that’s wrong in the economy,” said GMB Scotland organiser Alan Ritchie.

“The pay increase should have been delivered in April, but six months on and with a grim winter rapidly coming down the line it’s scandalous that Movianto continues to drag it heels on bringing forward a decent pay offer for our members’ consultation.

“Movianto’s workers have been a vital cog in the pandemic response and the company’s growth, and they deserve to be valued better for everything they’ve done, but unless management acts fast then strike action later this month looks inevitable.”