DaimlerChrysler UK says a one-day strike last week by 170 employees at its Milton Keynes parts warehouse will have a ‘minimal’ effect on customers.

Delivery trucks were turned away and the Transport and General Workers’ Union says the strike was timed to coincide with preparations for the September registration plate change.

John Street, TGWU divisional officer, will address a branch meeting in the coming weeks before deciding whether to call another strike.

“I have asked for a meeting with DCUK since the strike because of the damage that would be caused if the dispute escalates,” he says.

The strike follows the beginning of industrial action by the warehouse workers in July, when they adopted a work-to-rule policy and banned overtime.

The TGWU says there has been no progress since last October when the staff rejected DCUK’s pay offer covering 2005-2007. The group offered 1.5% in year one, followed by inflation minus one percentage point in 2006 and 2007. DCUK also wants to end paid breaks.

In a statement, DCUK says it has not been possible to reach an acceptable solution “despite our best efforts, which will continue”.

It adds: “Our retailers are aware of the situation and are working with us to minimize the risk to customer service. Our internal operating strategy is designed to deal with such a situation, and we are confident the inconvenience to our customers will remain minimal.”