Stobart, part of Culina Group, has been accused of union-busting after claims it has gradually replaced unionised drivers on its Morrisons distribution contract with agency staff.
Nearly 500 HGV drivers supplying supermarkets across the north of England are now voting on whether to take strike action, after the Unite union said the company’s actions were “appalling”.
Unite claims around 40% of drivers based in Stockton and Northwich are now agency workers. It alleges that instead of replacing departing staff with directly employed drivers, Stobart is increasingly relying on agency labour, with reduced terms and conditions.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Stobart’s attempts to undermine drivers’ pay and conditions, creating a race to the bottom on employment standards, is appalling.
“This disgraceful union-busting will not be allowed – these workers have Unite’s absolute backing.”
The union also claims that temporary workers are being excluded from collective bargaining arrangements covering permanent staff, and that any future directly employed hires would also be offered inferior terms and conditions.
The drivers affected are based in Wakefield, Stockton-on-Tees and Cheshire, and deliver a range of grocery products to Morrisons supermarkets across the region. Unite warned that any strike action could lead to disruption and empty shelves.
Unite regional officer Neil Howells added: “Morrisons will be extremely angry that it is facing empty shelves because Stobart is union-busting. There is still time to avoid strikes, but that will require Stobart reaching a fair agreement with Unite.”
A ballot on industrial action is due to close on 4 June. Culina Group was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.
