"Union warns of empty Sainsbury's shelves as lorry drivers vote on pay strike", 10 November 2021

...Unite says 140 drivers in the South West, who work for DHL which has a contract with [Sainsbury's], are about to vote on industrial action.

...the union said the drivers had been offered a “miserly” 3 per cent increase over 18 months, below the current 4.9 per cent inflation rate...

The union said if drivers vote to strike, action could begin as early as the second week of December...

Unite regional officer Shevaun Hunt said: “Our members are balloting for strike action as, despite protracted negotiations, DHL has failed to make a reasonable pay offer.

“Even at this late stage, DHL can still avoid strike action by returning to the negotiating table and making an offer which meets workers' expectations.”...

A spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said: ..."In recent days we have tabled an improved offer and look forward to further talks to reach a satisfactory outcome for all parties, but contingency plans are being drawn up to minimise disruption to deliveries should the action go ahead.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We continue to encourage both sides to keep talking.”