Eddie Stobart driver dispute reaches end of the road

A DISPUTE about the transfer of 87 Co-op drivers to haulier Eddie Stobart has ended after the sides reached an agreement.

The outcome affected more than 700 Co-op drivers, who have voted by “a large margin” to accept a package of proposals to settle the dispute over the outsourcing of jobs.

Unite national officer for retail distribution Adrian Jones said: “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.”

The union had recommended that its members accept the offer that resulted from two days of bargaining facilitated by Acas.

Mr Jones added: “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.”

The drivers are based at eight locations across the UK, from Inverness to Plymouth.