Morrisons avoids potential shortages after Eddie Stobart drivers call off strike
Morrisons has averted the threat of product shortages after Eddie Stobart drivers in the north of England called off strike action.
More than 500 drivers at the supermarket’s distribution depots in Wakefield, Stockton-on-Tees and Northwich planned the action after hearing that Eddie Stobart was hiring agency workers on lower wages and was looking to employ drivers who would receive inferior pay and less favourable conditions.
Subscribe to TRBThe drivers voted for strike action on 4 June, but negotiations between the Unite union and Eddie Stobart resulted in a deal before any industrial action was taken.
Eddie Stobart agreed to reduce its reliance on temporary workers and increase permanent staff, who will be on the same hourly pay rates, allowances, holiday and sick pay entitlements as as existing drivers. They will also be covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Unite.
While Eddie Stobart and its owner Culina Group did not comment on the deal, Morrisons told the BBC it was pleased an agreement had been reached.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Eddie Stobart was gradually replacing its unionised Morrisons workforce with individuals on insecure contracts and significantly diminished pay, terms and conditions.
“The drivers strong strike response put an end to that – well done to them. Unite will not tolerate any employer seeking to union-bust or undermine our members’ wages or employment standards.”
