Any move to de-recognise Unite will result in strike ballot of drivers at outsourced companies

Unite has warned Dale Farm of potential industrial action should plans to outsource milk collection threaten union rights. Unite represents around 60 farm collection tanker drivers at the company.

Dale Farm management intends to expand outsourcing of milk collection from 40 per cent to 75 per cent. Wauchope is to take on collection at Omagh with Pennybridge-based collection going to Milk Trans and Woodside.

Unite warns any move to derecognise the union by the new operators will be met with a strike ballot.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Unite opposes management plans to further outsource milk collection. There is absolutely logical or financial basis for this. Dale Farm is a highly successful business.

“Any threat to Unite’s recognition will be met with an immediate ballot of transferred drivers.”

The milk processing farmer-owned cooperative made pre-tax profits of £35.5 million for the year ending March 2025 – a 26 per cent increase on 2024.

Unite regional officer Simon Hall said, “Outsourcing collection poses major risks to farmers. Our drivers provide a milk service operating seven days a week, 365 days a year. They turn vehicles in confined yards not meant for modern tankers. Given the driver shortages, collection will be much less reliable if outsourced.

“Farmers need to remember how seven years ago a milk collection contract was handed back as unsustainable. There’s no way back with this move as many drivers with multiple years experience will potentially leave this industry permanently.”

ENDS…