DRIVERS who deliver milk to supermarkets are set to be balloted for strikes in a row over pay and conditions, threatening industrial action over Easter.

Members of the GMB and Unite at Leeds-based Arla Foods are having their employment transferred to Moran Logistics this weekend, but the unions say there has been no guarantee of maintaining the same pay and conditions.

The unions plan to serve notice of a strike ballot and warned that milk supplies to supermarkets in the north of England could be hit.

Rachel Dix of the GMB said: "Our members are incredibly upset and angry. They feel that Arla is relinquishing all responsibility for a long-serving, loyal workforce.

"This is compounded by the company's refusal to share key information on how cost savings can be generated by this transfer. In the absence of this detail, we can only conclude that both pay and jobs will be put at risk. This has to be challenged."

Unite national officer Matt Draper said: "Unless Moran Logistics gets around the table for meaningful negotiations about recognising the unions and guaranteeing our members' terms and conditions, the drivers could be striking over the forthcoming Easter holiday which will disrupt milk distribution to supermarkets."