Yorkshire Haulage Workers Threaten Strike, Potentially Affecting Coca-Cola Supplies

Coca-Cola and other beverage manufacturers may face shortages due to an impending strike by haulage workers in West Yorkshire, UK.

The Unite union announced that its members at Lockwood Haulage Ltd. would go on 'all-out' strike from September 2 after rejecting a one percent pay increase offer, backdated to March 1, 2025.

The company had proposed introducing an attendance-based bonus scheme instead of annual pay raises, which could earn employees up to £250 per quarter if certain criteria are met. However, the union claims this would leave workers worse off due to their current compensation package.

The dispute affects forklift drivers and machine operators in Lockwood's glass division, who have not received a pay rise since October 2023. The strike is expected to impact customers such as Adragh Glass, which supplies Coca-Cola, Budweiser, Stella Artois, Heineken, Jameson, J&B, Johnnie Walker, and wine bottles.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham stated, 'The fact that workers have not had a pay rise in nearly three years is an absolute insult... Moving away from yearly increases to a bonus scheme is simply another way to shortchange our members at Lockwood.' The union has called for improved pay offers to avoid industrial action.