The Transport and General Workers Union, whose membership in the retail giant Sainsbury's continues to grow, has demanded full national pay negotiating rights so that two-tier pay practices can be ended.
The call by T&G comes after staff at Sainsbury were told that only those who had signed up to new contracts last year were eligible for a pay rise this year. Brian Revell, T&G national organiser for food and agriculture said: "This is no way for a respected national company to treat its loyal, long-term staff. We will continue to press for a fair resolution."
A group of farmers has begun a direct action campaign against Morrisons and other supermarket chains in protest over the threatened price war.
Farmers for Action organised blockades of depots owned by Tesco, Asda and Morrisons in Cheshire, Bristol, Southampton and Kent.
The action is a protest at the price cuts on 800 products at Safeway following its takeover by Morrisons. Tesco and Asda announced they would also cut prices in response, indicating a price war is about to break out.
According to Morrisons, the cost of shopping at Safeway has been reduced by 24 per cent since they took control of the supermarket chain last month.
