Coca-Cola bottle supplies could be hit by South Kirkby and Knottingley haulage strike
Coca-Cola, Stella and Heineken are among major drinks brands which could face disruption to their glass bottle supplies when workers at a Wakefield district haulage company go on strike.
Around 40 Unite members at Lockwood Haulage Ltd, which has sites in Knottingley and South Kirkby, are due to begin strike action on September 2 in a dispute over pay.
Unite claims the industrial action could have a major impact on Lockwood's customer Ardagh Glass, which supplies glass bottles for brands including Jameson, J&B and Johnnie Walker whiskies.
The workers, who are forklift truck drivers and machine operators in Lockwood's glass division, have rejected a one per cent pay increase, according to Unite.
The union said the increase would apply across all grades and allowances and would be backdated to March 1, 2025.
Unite said Lockwood has also proposed an attendance-based bonus scheme instead of pay increases, worth £250 each quarter for workers who meet the attendance criteria.
The union said its members have not received a pay rise since October 2023.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The fact that workers have not had a pay rise in nearly three years is an absolute insult and to be now offered a measly one per cent is a further kick in the teeth.
“Moving away from yearly increases to a bonus scheme is simply another way to shortchange our members at Lockwood.”
Unite regional officer Jessica Sangha said: “Any strike action is completely the fault of Lockwood management, who have insulted our members with this paltry pay offer.”
She said industrial action could be avoided if Lockwood improved its pay offer.
They previously worked for GXO before being transferred to Lockwood in March 2025.
Unite said the workers operate a four-days-on, four-days-off shift pattern, with their salaries including weekend working, shift allowances and bank holiday pay.
The union said it has attended multiple meetings with Lockwood in an attempt to reach an agreement, but the dispute remains unresolved.
Workers at the Knottingley site previously went on strike in July 2025 in a dispute over Unite recognition.
Unite said workers had previously had union recognition while employed by GXO, but Lockwood initially refused to recognise the union following their transfer.
The Express has approached Lockwood for comment.