Lorry drivers supplying the NHS will strike across seven English depots in October and November over a pay dispute, the union Unite announced.
GXO, which operates the NHS supply chain contract, offered drivers a 4% pay increase. Unite members rejected the offer. The union represents drivers at facilities in Tyne and Wear, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Kent, Warwickshire and Suffolk.
Strike dates are October 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 and November 3-5 and 10-12. The affected depots are in Alfreton, Bridgwater, Normanton, Maidstone, Rugby, Bury St Edmunds and Washington. Drivers deliver medical supplies including bandages, dressings, gowns, gloves and needles to hospitals across England.
Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: "There is still time for strike action to be avoided but that will require a deal our members can accept." Silkstone described drivers as "dedicated workers" and accused GXO of refusing to put forward a reasonable offer.
GXO said it believed the 4% offer was fair. A GXO spokesperson said: "Patient care remains of paramount importance, and we remain focused on providing a safe and effective operation throughout this period."
NHS Supply Chain and GXO said they had "robust contingency plans" in place to minimise disruption to hospital supply lines during the walkouts.
GXO is wholly owned by NHS England and runs the supply chain contract for Supply Chain Coordination Limited, an NHS entity.