Union threat of action over increased Saturday working

The union Unite is threatening strike action in a dispute with an animal feed company over increases in weekend working for 18 drivers.

Unite says drivers at ABN in Bury St Edmunds, part of AB Agri, already work one Saturday in four but the company wants to make it two in four with no pay rise. A strike ballot will be held.

Its regional officer Steve Harley said: “Working days can already exceed 12 hours a day. Therefore, weekends are essential to those who want a proper work/life balance and time to be with their families.

“We regard attempts by the bosses to impose an extra Saturday every four weeks as an undiluted attack on that balance."

An ABN spokeswoman said: "The change to shift pattern at Bury Feed mill is allowable under the current workplace agreement and is required to enable us to effectively meet the needs of our customers.

"Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to reach an agreement.

"While we will be moving ahead with the allowable change to shift pattern, we remain committed to discussions with our drivers.”

Negotiations have been going on for 12 months.