Hundreds of workers who deliver food supplies to a wide range of popular restaurants may go on strike for better pay, according to the GMB union.
Workers at Best Food Logistics, which is owned by Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO)’s wholesaling subsidiary Booker, begin voting on strike action today, 28 October 2022, the union said.
Best Food delivers fresh food to the likes of Pizza Express, KFC, Zizzi, Burger King, Wagamama and Pizza Hut.
Its workers have rejected a 6% pay offer, which would amount to a real-terms pay cut this year and into next, the GMB said.
The strike ballot will run until 18 November, with the result coming later that day.
“All these workers want is a pay deal that protects them from this crushing cost-of-living crisis,” said GMB National Officer Nadine Houghton in a statement.
She added: “Best Food’s parent companies Booker and Tesco are making plenty of money, showering shareholders with dividends. So why not use some of that cash to look after the people who keep their empire going?
"Ultimately, Best Food’s stubborn attitude means some of the UK’s best-known restaurants may face shortages during the busy Christmas period.”