Secure future for Co-op workers

A two-day strike by Co-op drivers over the transfer of their jobs to transport and distribution company Eddie Stobart Ltd (ESL) has been suspended at the last minute.

Industrial action was called off after the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) stepped in to help Unite reach an improved agreement for its members with the company.

More than 700 Co-op drivers will be voting on a package of proposals to settle the dispute over the outsourcing of jobs.

Unite will be recommending that its members accept the offer achieved after two days of hard bargaining at the conciliation service. The ballot results will be known after the Easter holiday.

In a statement, Acas said: “After intensive talks, Acas has helped the Co-op and Unite to reach agreement on a set of revised proposals, which Unite the union will now fully recommend to their members. The proposals include improvements for employees at the Coventry depot and longer term assurances across the wider Co-op network.

The dispute has centred on the transfer of 87 Coventry-based drivers to the haulier Eddie Stobart Ltd and the implications for Co-op drivers across the UK in the future.

“Our members at Coventry, who will be transferring to Eddie Stobart, have been given extra assurances that provide confidence for their own futures outside of the Co-op,” said Adrian Jones, Unite national officer.

Acas went on to say that they were pleased that the talks have been held in a constructive manner and collaborative spirit.

“In recognition of this Unite the union has agreed to suspend any industrial action until the outcome of the ballot,” Acas added.

The Co-op drivers affected are based at Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland, Castlewood in north Derbyshire, Chester-Le-Street in County Durham, Coventry, Inverness, Newhouse, Lanarkshire, Plymouth and Thurrock in Essex.

“We are now confident that our members have a secure future with the Co-op and that our concerns about the future of in-house transport have been fully addressed,” said Adrian.

“Our members have been given a firm commitment for their future in line with the business’ five-year plan,” he added.