Unite: Morrisons Wakefield, Stockton-on-Tees and Cheshire HGV drivers’ strike threat ends in victory

• Eddie Stobart ends union-busting by agreeing new drivers will be on full pay, terms and conditions

Nearly 500 HGV drivers employed by Eddie Stobart supplying Morrison's supermarkets across the north of England have ended their strike threat after the company signed a deal to end union-busting.

The workers, based at Morrison's three distribution depots in Wakefield, Stockton-on-Tees and Northwich in Cheshire, voted to strike over Eddie Stobart's increasing use of agency drivers to drive down employment standards. 

As well as excluding temporary workers from the collective bargaining rights permanent staff are entitled to, the company was also planning to hire new directly employed drivers on inferior pay and terms and conditions.

Following the successful strike ballot vote, 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 their colleagues. They will also be covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Unite. 

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.  

The drivers voted for strike action on 4 June but negotiations between Unite and Eddie Stobart meant a deal was secured before any industrial action was taken.

Unite regional officer Neil Howells said: This win is another reminder that workers are stronger when they stand together. If you want better wages and working conditions join Unite today and get your colleagues to do the same.