Morrisons was today bracing itself for strike action at its two distribution centres as members of the Transport and General Workers' Union began a ballot over industrial action.

The union, which represents 1,600 staff at the centres in Wakefield and Northwich in Cheshire, was holding the ballot amid a bitter row with the Bradford supermarket giant.

The TGWU said that staff were considering a walk-out after being told that all disputes must be settled through binding arbitration, whereby both sides accept the recommendations of an independent third party.

And it branded Morrisons "macho" for inviting other unions to "bid" for the T&G's membership on the agreement that there is a "no strike" clause in any deal.

But Morrisons reacted by claiming the TGWU had given notice on a 15-year-old arrangement that "has always included collective bargaining and binding arbitration" in February.

"There is absolutely no question of Morrisons withdrawing from a recognition agreement as suggested by the TGWU," said a spokesman.

"We are disappointed that the union has taken this course of action and so far avoided discussing this matter with us.

"We want to ensure our employees have access to union membership with the benefit of a sensible recognition agreement and we are now looking at the options available.

"This naturally includes giving the T&G the opportunity to reconsider and talk with us."

It is understood the TGWU pulled out of the existing arrangement after refusing to accept a pay-and-conditions offer which had been widely rejected by staff. John Mallinder, T&G regional industrial organiser said: "This is a macho side to Morrisons which has gone too far.

"The staff supported the company when it was battling to take over Safeway. Their reward is the company trying to cut basic trade union rights."

Brian Revell, TGWU national organiser for food and agriculture, added: "The union has always made it clear we will work with good employers to get the best for our members and for the company.

"In the case of Morrisons we are not going to roll over and do the billionaire's bidding and we do not expect other trade unions to take part in a beauty contest for our members."

The ballot over whether to take industrial action, which could cause major disruption to the newly-enlarged company, was launched today and will run until June 24.

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