A trade union claims northern England could be about to experience a shortage of crisps as lorry drivers who deliver Walkers are planning to strike.
Unite says Eddie Stobart employees based in Warrington, Cheshire, are preparing to take industrial action, as 96.7% of them voted in favour of industrial action, saying the haulier is trying to enforce a pay freeze on drivers and is refusing to negotiate with Unite.
Eddie Stobart has a contract to deliver Walkers crisps to retailers.
Members are due to take part in an overtime ban from January 23 to February 16, which is set to be followed by a four-day strike until February 20.
Unite says: "Given the just in time nature of supermarket deliveries, Walkers products will swiftly disappear from shelves once strike action begins.
Unite regional officer Steve Gerrard said: “Consumers across northern England should be bracing themselves for a crispstrophe, if Eddie Stobart bosses fail to come to their senses and enter into pay talks.
“The Walkers contract is highly lucrative yet Eddie Stobart is refusing to even enter into pay negotiations.
“The affected drivers have worked throughout the pandemic and the only thanks they are set to receive is a real terms pay cut.
"Management at Eddie Stobart is guilty of using the Covid-19 pandemic for forcing through a pay cut on its workers.
“A Walkers crisp famine can still be averted, but Eddie Stobart needs to table a meaningful pay offer and enter into negotiations on all other outstanding issues relating to this trade dispute, to try and reach an amicable resolution."
Pepsico, which owns Walkers, says a contingency plan is in place to keep shelves stocked with Walkers branded crisps.
A Walkers spokesperson said: “We are confident this issue will not result in a shortage of crisps. We are aware a union is planning industrial action with some lorry drivers working for our distribution supplier. There are contingency plans in place so that shelves will remain stocked.”
