Unite ballots Eddie Stobart drivers who deliver to Morrisons

The Unite union says nearly 500 HGV drivers employed by Eddie Stobart supplying Morrison’s supermarkets across the north of England are being balloted for strike action over what it calls ‘union-busting’.

The workers, based at Morrison’s three distribution depots in Wakefield, Stockton-on-Tees and Northwich in Cheshire, are angry over Eddie Stobart’s increasing use of agency drivers to undermine terms and conditions.

Unite says around 40 per cent of drivers in Stockton and Northwich are now agency.

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Instead of hiring new drivers directly when people leave, Eddie Stobart is gradually replacing its unionised workforce with individuals on insecure contracts and significantly diminished terms and conditions.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Eddie Stobart’s attempts to undermine drivers’ pay and conditions, creating a race-to-the-bottom on employment standards is appalling.

“This disgraceful union-busting will not be allowed – these workers have Unite’s absolute backing.”

As well as excluding temporary workers from the collective bargaining rights permanent staff are entitled to, Unite says Edie Stobart Limited has confirmed if it does hire any new directly employed drivers in the future that they will also be on inferior terms and conditions.  

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The workers are being balloted until  June 4. They are responsible for delivering every type of grocery to Morrison’s supermarkets and strike action would result in empty shelves across the north of England.

Unite regional officer Neil Howells said: “Morrison’s will be extremely angry that it is facing empty shelves because Eddie Stobart is union-busting. There is still time to avoid strikes, but that will require Eddie Stobart reaching a fair agreement with Unite.” 

A spokesperson for Morrisons told the Press: “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.

“We note that deliveries continue as normal.”

Eddie Stobart Ltd has been approached for comment.