WORKERS at the Morrisons distribution centre at Gadbrook Park, Rudheath, will begin voting today on whether or not to support a full strike ballot.

The supermarket giant has been battling with staff after it withdrew a recognition agreement with their union, the Transport and General Workers Union (T&G).

The problem arose when the union refused to agree to accept a binding arbitration to settle disputes.

But workers believe their employer is interfering with their rights and a bitter war of words has ensued.

John Mallinder, T&G regional industrial organiser, said: "This is a macho side to Morrisons which has gone too far.

"The staff supported the company when it was battling to take over Safeway. Their reward is the company trying to cut basic trade union rights."

Now, Morrisons has invited other trade unions to 'bid' for the T&G's membership on the understanding that there is a 'no-strike' clause written into any agreement.

This has incensed the union's national officers who believed the days of 'sweetheart deals' were over.

In a meeting last week, union members turned out in force to discuss the matter and decided to call a consultative ballot.

Brian Revell, T&G national organiser for food and agriculture, said: "In the case of Morrisons, we are not going to roll over and do the billionaire's bidding and we do not expect other trade unions to take part in a beauty contest for our members."

A spokesman for Morrisons said: "In February, the T&G served us with three months' notice on our recognition agreement. We remain puzzled as to why they should have wanted to end a voluntary agreement that has always included collective bargaining and binding arbitration, and which has served both parties well over some 15 years.

"Regrettably this was not discussed with us prior to the T&G giving notice.

"We are disappointed that the T&G has taken this course of action and that they have so far avoided discussing this matter with us.

"We want to ensure employees have access to union membership with the benefit of a sensible recognition agreement and we are now looking at the options available. This naturally includes giving the T&G the opportunity to reconsider and talk with us."

Union members will be voting in the consultative ballot until June 24.