Morrisons is aware of, but currently unaffected by, potential strike action by lorry drivers at Eddie Stobart depots supplying its stores in the north.
Nearly 500 HGV drivers based in Wakefield, Stockton-on-Tees and Northwich are currently being balloted by trade union Unite, over whether to strike in a dispute over the haulier’s increased reliance on agency workers.
If the drivers voted to strike, Morrisons risked “empty shelves” in its stores across the north of England, Unite warned.
Around 40% of the drivers across Stockton and Norwich were now agency employees, who Unite said were employed on “significantly diminished” terms and conditions and insecure contracts, compared with permanent employees.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham accused the haulier of “union busting” by gradually replacing its work force with agency employees when drivers left, which she said created a “race to the bottom on employment standards”.
“This disgraceful union-busting will not be allowed – these workers have Unite’s absolute backing,” she said.
Eddie Stobart rejected the claims.
“We have been involved in ongoing constructive consultations with Unite about the best way to deliver a long-term approach to driver recruitment and retention amid the present national driver shortage,” said a spokeswoman for Culina Group, which owns Eddie Stobart.
“We remain committed to finding a sustainable solution to this issue and we will continue to engage with all parties through the previously agreed processes.”
The ballot is set to run until 4 June. A date for any proposed walkout will be announced if members vote in favour of strike action. All of the impacted drivers work for Eddie Stobart, and are not Morrisons employees.
“We understand that Eddie Stobart Limited and Unite remain in discussions on this issue and encourage both parties to engage constructively to find a solution,” said a Morrisons spokesman.
“We note that deliveries continue as normal,” the spokesman added.
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