Walkers strike suspended

Unite has suspended strikes due to begin at the end of this week, on the North West Walkers’, crisps contract, as the worker’s employer Eddie Stobart, has agreed to recognise the union and to undertake further talks on outstanding matters.

The first strike of the workers who are based in Warrington, was due to begin this Friday (May 31) until Tuesday, June 4, with a further strike from Friday, June 7 until Tuesday, June 11, which would have resulted in a crisps’ famine in the North West.

The dispute was a result of Eddie Stobart refusing to recognise Unite, following the Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment regulations (TUPE) transfer of the lorry drivers from Walkers last year. Since that time Eddie Stobart had refused to enter into negotiations on pay and conditions with Unite.

However following lengthy negotiations on Friday (28 May), Eddie Stobart’s management conceded that Unite did have a valid recognition agreement and that further talks would be held to discuss all outstanding matters.

As a result of the acceptance of Unite’s recognition deal and the agreement to further negotiations, Unite suspended the strike action as a gesture of goodwill.

“Following lengthy negotiations Eddie Stobart conceded that Unite has a right to represent the workers on the North West Walkers’ crisps contract,” said Unite regional officer Steve Gerrard.

“As a gesture of goodwill Unite has suspended the current strike action to allow for further negotiations on the outstanding issues regarding the pay and conditions of the drivers.

“Providing further progress can be made at future negotiations, Unite hopes to be in a position to end this dispute.

“Unite made clear from the outset that this dispute could be resolved through Eddie Stobart entering into meaningful talks and this is proving to be the case.”