Supermarket giant Sainsbury's could be hit by strike action in the run-up to Christmas following a pay dispute with drivers at a Kent distribution centre.

A row over pay between the union Unite and drivers for DHL - which provides drivers for the supermarket's regional distribution centre in Dartford - could see strike action for 15 days over December, January and February.

Unite says it is urging logistics firm DHL to accept "reasonable" improvements to pay and redundancy packages for HGV drivers, who deliver to Sainsbury’s stores across parts of London and the south east, in order to avoid the industrial action.

DHL drivers at the Dartford site voted overwhelmingly for strike action, after negotiations over pay and ending a two-tier system for redundancy packages broke down.

Some 97.4% of those taking part in the vote supported the 24-hour strikes.

The drivers are asking for a 3.5 per cent pay rise and for their redundancy packages to be put on a par with Sainsbury’s drivers at other locations who carry out the exact same role.

Unite representatives are due to sit down with DHL’s management at a meeting with the conciliation service Acas this week to try and resolve the dispute before strike action is taken.

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “The last thing Unite wants to do is cause disruption to Sainsbury’s customers at the busiest time of the year.

“The strike has been called as an option of last resort and Unite still hopes that it can sit down with DHL and resolve this dispute before action is taken.

“The drivers’ demands are reasonable and can easily be met by DHL, which is a multinational company. Our members work hard in a stressful role and a 3.5 per cent rise is not an unreasonable ask.

“The drivers also have a right to be treated the same as their Sainsbury’s colleagues performing an identical role, which includes having equal redundancy packages.

“Our members do not want to go on strike, but they will be left with no choice if DHL refuse to make these contract improvements when we meet with Acas.

“The ball is now in the court of DHL’s management and it is they who will be responsible if Christmas strike action goes ahead.”

The strike dates that Unite has announced are December 6, 13,19, 20, 21, 22, 23; January 3,10,17, 24, 31; and February 13,14,15.

A spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said: “We are disappointed that Unite has announced its intention to stage industrial action at the Dartford depot.

"Contingency plans are being drawn up to minimise disruption to customer deliveries and further talks are being scheduled with the aim of reaching a satisfactory outcome for all parties at the earliest opportunity.”

Sainsbury's have been approached for comment.

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