Union threatens turkey shortage this Christmas

The union warned there could be 'empty tables this Christmas'

The Unite union has threatened to cut the supply of turkeys to supermarkets this Christmas.

It said it was taking the action in protest against the Shropshire-based logistics company Culina, which it said had not offered its delivery drivers a pay increase.

About 40 of its members were preparing to go on strike on 19 and 20 December.

Culina's contract is with Avara Foods in Hereford, which delivers poultry from abattoirs to warehouses belonging to Tesco and Marks and Spencer and which said it hoped ongoing discussions would reach an "agreeable solution".

The Unite union has warned there could be a "shortage of Christmas turkeys" as a result of its planned industrial action and that families "could see empty tables this Christmas".

It accused Culina of playing the role of Scrooge and said: "Despite being in pay negotiations since April, no offer has been made to drivers who have been left with little choice but to take industrial action."

The union also warned more strike dates could be announced if the company did not come back to the negotiating table with an improved offer.

A spokesperson for Avara said: "We understand that discussions between Culina and Unite are ongoing and we hope they will reach a mutually agreeable solution.

"We expect to meet our Christmas commitments for turkey in full"

Culina has also been approached by the BBC for a response.

The logistics firm is part of the Müller group with its headquarters in Market Drayton.