Fewer reasons to work at Morrisons (From Warrington Guardian)

Fewer reasons to work at Morrisons

WORKERS at the threatened Morrisons distribution depot in Woolston have seen work cut by two thirds in the past year.

Now union members are set to find out the results of a ballot on industrial action in a week.

They say some 700 jobs could be axed at the Hardwick Grange depot.

GMB union rep, Eddie Gardie, said the result of the ballot would be known on September 15 - and that the threat of strike action could force the company's hand.

GMB says there is a secret plot to close the plant. It was the Safeway depot before Morrisons took over 18 months ago.

Mr Gardie said: "A year ago, workers were handling 290,000 cases a day, it was down to 90,000 last week.

"People are walking around with brushes but no work to do.

"The feeling is that they are running the business down but we just want a meeting to be

told what is happening."

Morrisons confirmed last week that they had an over capacity of distribution plants.

Mr Gardie added: "It is our belief that Warrington is near the top of the list to close."

Morrisions are refusing to confirm which depots could be under threat.

A spokesman said: "Speculation about the future shape of our distribution network is to be expected given that we are coming to the end of the Safeway store conversion process and a number of stores have now been sold.

"We have made no secret of the fact that a thorough review of the distribution network is currently under way and we hope to share the results of this review in the near future. It would be inappropriate to comment on speculation while the review is on-going and should there be any proposals for change we would consult fully with all those concerned."