THE threat of strike action at a Morrisons distribution centre in Northwich is back on just a week after the chain narrowly averted a planned walkout.

Union bosses have been angered by the supermarket giant's announcement of the results of a distribution review in the middle of negotiations on other matters, including national bargaining.

A six-day stoppage was pencilled in starting tomorrow, Thursday, with union representatives now threatening that as 'very likely'.

There are fears that if industrial action does go ahead then Morrisons stores, including one in Winsford, could be hit by supply shortages that leave shop shelves empty.

The company has confirmed that three depots now face closure, including one in Warrington, and staff there would be encouraged to apply for other jobs within the group, but it is too early to predict the extent to which the Rudheath centre will be affected.

Brian Revell, national organiser for the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU), which has more than 550 members there, said: "It's disappointing that Morrisons completed the review without consulting unions and then announced the findings while talks were continuing.

"Our fear is that going public while talks are happening will only reinforce the anxieties of our members and may increase, not decrease, the pressure to take strike action."

Warehouse staff had been scheduled to walk out for three days last Friday following a ballot earlier in the month, but last ditch concessions by company chiefs secured a seven-day postponement.

In a statement last Wednesday, a Morrisons spokesman said: "We are pleased that following the constructive and positive discussions held today, TGWU members at the Northwich depot have agreed to suspend their planned strike action.

"These include continuing those negotiations that started on national bargaining."

The TGWU was still considering its position as the Guardian went to press yesterday, Tuesday.