Union warns of potential shortages as 80 HGV drivers plan walkouts at Rochdale operations hub

  • Asda may face food shortages due to lorry drivers’ strike during the festive season
  • 80 HGV drivers employed by Wincanton on an Asda contract will strike at Rochdale operations hub
  • Strikes scheduled for 13, 15, 17, 20, 26, 28 and 30 December and 2 January
  • Drivers claim lower pay and overtime rates compared to Asda’s Lutterworth distribution centre staff
  • Unite urges Wincanton to improve offer to avoid further strikes
  • Asda may use its own drivers to limit disruption

Asda could face food shortages during the festive season due to a strike by around 80 lorry drivers employed by Wincanton, who are working under an Asda contract. The strike is set to take place on multiple dates in December and January at the supermarket’s Rochdale operations hub. The drivers argue they receive lower pay and overtime rates compared to their counterparts at Asda’s Lutterworth distribution centre in Leicestershire. Unite regional officer Paul Lomax stated that Asda customers may face empty shelves during Christmas if Wincanton does not improve its offer. An Asda spokesperson said negotiations are between Wincanton and Unite, and they hope for a resolution to avoid further disruptions.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the strike action by Asda’s lorry drivers, the dates of the strikes, and the reasons behind it. It also includes statements from both Unite and Asda representatives, offering a balanced perspective on the situation.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the strike action and its potential impact on Asda’s operations during the festive period. It includes quotes from both parties involved and mentions possible solutions. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of long-term consequences.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Asda’s stock price and shares may be impacted due to potential food shortages during the festive period.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses strike action by lorry drivers at Asda, which could lead to food shortages and potentially affect the company’s sales and reputation. This can have an impact on its financial performance and stock price.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk