Morrisons delivery drivers call off strike

Nearly 500 delivery drivers who supply national supermarket chain Morrison, have ended a threat of strike action after their employer agreed to reduce its agency workforce.

The drivers, who work for haulage company Eddie Stobart, planned action after learning the company was hiring agency staff on lower wages and planned to directly employ drivers on inferior pay and conditions.

Eddie Stobart agreed to reduce its reliance on temporary drivers after workers in Morrisons depots in Stockton-on-Tees, Northwich and Wakefield voted to strike in June.

Eddie Stobart and their owners, Culina Group, declined to comment. Morrisons said it was pleased an agreement had been reached.

Along with agreeing to reduce its agency workforce, Eddie Stobart also promised to increase its permanent staff, who will be on the same hourly pay rates, allowances, holiday and sick pay entitlements as their colleagues.

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.

"Unite will not tolerate any employer seeking to union-bust or undermine our members' wages or employment standards."

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