Morrisons has been spared from disruption after lorry drivers supplying its supermarkets in the north cancelled planned strike action.
Nearly 500 HGV drivers employed by Eddie Stobart at its depots in Wakefield, Stockton on Tees and Northwich voted to walk out in June, following a dispute over the haulier’s increased reliance on agency workers.
The depots service Morrisons stores across the north of England and Unite the union had warned it could leave supermarkets facing empty shelves.
Drivers voted to strike in a ballot that ended 4 June, but had not yet set a date for the walkout. However, the potential action has now been called off after Unite and Eddie Stobart reached an agreement to increase the number of permanent staff employed at the sites.
Drivers would also now be paid the same hourly rates, allowances and paid leave entitlements under a new collective agreement between Unite and Eddie Stobart.
“Eddie Stobart was gradually replacing its unionised Morrisons workforce with individuals on insecure contracts and significantly diminished pay, terms and conditions,” claimed Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.
“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.”
Eddie Stobart, which is owned by Culina Group, declined to comment. It has previously rejected any claims of union-busting. All of the involved workers were employed by Eddie Stobart.
“This win is another reminder that workers are stronger when they stand together,” said Unite regional officer Neil Howells.
“If you want better wages and working conditions, join Unite today and get your colleagues to do the same.”
Morrisons stores were unaffected throughout the strike ballot and would continue to operate as normal.
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