A thousand Co-operative Group distribution drivers are in talks to take strike action following an announcement that some drivers will be transferred to Eddie Stobart.
The Group’s board made the decision this week, and 85 staff at the Coventry national distribution centre were told on Thursday they could be moved to the private haulier in April. The 310,000 sq. ft. Coventry warehouse deals with ambient goods and delivers to a dozen regional distribution hubs.
Unite, the trade union representing the workers, said it had “serious concerns” about the impact for other drivers across the business because it believes the Group could outsource its entire haulage operation. It is consulting with all members about going on strike.
Adrian Jones, Unite’s national officer for retail distribution, said: “The Co-op has already intimated that it does not see itself as a haulier. It is our belief that with four sites already outsourced in Andover, Avonmouth, Cambridgeshire and the north west, the plans to outsource Coventry are the thin end of the wedge.
“That’s why we are holding this consultative ballot for these 1,000 driver members because if they are outsourced it is highly likely that their pay, and terms and conditions will be seriously eroded; even their jobs could be under threat.
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