A FOOD supplier for coffee chain Starbucks was accused of union-busting today.

Two organisers working at Food Service Logistics in Hemel Hempstead have been suspended over what the Unite union has called “trumped-up charges” after an altercation.

The senior shop steward and their deputy had been “singled out to do work not in their job description” and members may be balloted for strike action if face-to-face disciplinary hearings go ahead next week, added a spokesman.

The stewards had previously lodged grievances against Food Service Logistics including discrimination for trade union activity and management behaviour towards them and other Unite members.

A recent consultative ballot of union members working at Food Service Logistics found 100 per cent want the two shop stewards reinstated.

The pair were extremely successful reps, having worked hard to increase Unite membership by 350 per cent to almost 100 members over the past few months.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a case of union busting, pure and simple — and Unite will not idly stand by while two hardworking shop stewards are singled out in this way.

“We will always do whatever it takes to defend our members and shop stewards from discrimination and we demand that Food Service Logistics do the right thing and stop this disciplinary action now.”

Hemel Hempstead-based Food Service Logistics is a primary supplier to the Starbucks retail network in the south of England, including franchised stores. 

Food Service Logistics owner the Linde Group and Starbucks have been contacted for comment.