Co-op Group drivers’ dispute settled

Co-operative Group drivers have voted to accept proposals to settle a dispute over the outsourcing of jobs to Eddie Stobart Limited (ESL). In January, the Group announced plans to...

Co-operative Group drivers have voted to accept proposals to settle a dispute over the outsourcing of jobs to Eddie Stobart Limited (ESL).

In January, the Group announced plans to transfer 85 staff at its Coventry national distribution centre to the private haulier. However Unite the Union, representing the drivers, was against the move, saying it could erode pay and threaten jobs – and have negative implications for other drivers in the future. Over 700 drivers based around the UK were then balloted for industrial action.

We now look forward to a new chapter of constructive dialogue with management

A 48 hour-strike planned in March was put on hold as the two parties met with conciliation service Acas before Easter and, following two days of talks, Unite recommended that its members accept a refined offer.

“We are pleased to announce that our members have voted by a large margin to accept the deal on the table,” said Unite’s national officer for retail distribution, Adrian Jones.

“We now look forward to a new chapter of constructive dialogue with management and to move forward in a positive fashion for the benefit of the Co-op, their customers and our members.

“We are 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.”

Mr Jones added that Unite’s members had been given a firm commitment for their future in line with the Co-operative Group’s five-year plan.

“Our members at Coventry, who were transferred to Eddie Stobart, have been given extra assurances that provide confidence for their own futures outside of the Co-op,” he said.

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