Drivers on Walkers contract at Eddie Stobart Logistics suspend strike in favour of talks

Strike action set for next week at Eddie Stobart Logistics has been avoided, after the operator and union Unite held talks today (24 May).

Unite members at Eddie Stobart Logistics’ (ESL) Walkers Snacks Food contract had voted to strike over what it viewed as the operator’s failure to honour an existing industrial agreement.

Staff at Walkers Snacks Food joined ESL via TUPE last year after the snack manufacturer outsourced its transport.

The union has claimed that ESL has ignored the 50 HGV drivers’ negotiated terms since, and opted to enforce their own.

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Two periods of strikes had been called: the first set from Friday 31 May until Tuesday 4 June, and the second from Friday 7 June until Tuesday 11 June.

However, an ESL spokesman said:  “This morning [24 May] we met with Unite and representatives from the Walkers contracts in an attempt to find a resolution to the recent announcement of strike action.

"The outcome of our talks has resulted in the strike action being suspended along with the ban on overtime.

"We remain very committed and willing to continually talk and engage with all parties involved as we work to resolve a way forward on all issues raised.”