A dispute over transferring Co-op's drivers to controversial haulier Eddie Stobart Ltd (ESL), has led to 700 drivers planning a two-day strike, set for this week. The action will hit fresh produce deliveries, which are a top business priority for the Co-op.
Deliveries of fruit and vegetables to UK Co-op stores will be seriously affected as the drivers strike for 48 hours from 00.01 on Monday (21 March). The strike will be accompanied by a continuous work to rule.
The dispute centres on the decision by the Co-op group to transfer 87 Coventry-based drivers to ESL. This sparked the overwhelming vote for strike action by drivers across the UK concerned about the implications of future outsourcing of their jobs on pay and employment conditions.
The majority of the Coventry drivers are considering taking a severance package offered by the management as they are disgusted at the way they have been treated and fearful at the treatment they would receive if they were TUPE’d [Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)] to ESL.
The Co-op driver members striking are based at Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland; Castlewood, north Derbyshire; Chester-Le-Street, County Durham; Coventry; Inverness; Newhouse, Lanarkshire; Plymouth and Thurrock in Essex.
Unite is mounting a legal challenge to elements of the Co-op’s severance package as an attack on workers’ rights. The Co-op bosses are demanding that no driver will be able to re-apply for a role with the Co-op until 2 October 2016 and if they take strike action the severance offer will be immediately withdrawn.
