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Nearly 500 delivery drivers supplying Morrisons have called off strike action after Eddie Stobart agreed to reduce its agency workforce.
According to the BBC, the drivers, based at distribution depots in Stockton-on-Tees, Northwich and Wakefield, voted to strike earlier this month over concerns that Eddie Stobart was hiring agency staff on lower wages, with plans to employ drivers on inferior pay and conditions.
Following negotiations between the Unite union and Eddie Stobart, the haulage company agreed to increase permanent staff, who will receive the same hourly pay rates, allowances, holiday and sick pay entitlements as current employees.
The BBC said the agreement means Morrisons has averted potential supply disruption and shortages on store shelves.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, told the BBC: “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.”
Morrisons and Eddie Stobart have been contacted for comment.
