Potentially damaging strikes at two Wilko distribution centres have been put on hold following talks to resolve a dispute over new weekend working rotas.
Around 1,800 members of the GMB Union working at the sites in Magor, Wales and Worksop, Nottinghamshire, were due to walk out today and on Monday, and again on the 21 and 22 October.
The industrial action was planned after more than 84% of Wilko’s distribution workers voted to strike over the rota changes made by Wilko’s management, which the GMB Union claimed would leave employees with less time to spend with their families as they will be forced to work weekends.
The union had stated that the industrial action was likely to cripple Wilko deliveries to stores across the UK. However, the retailer claimed to have “robust” plans in place to cope with any disruption.
The strikes today and on Monday have now been suspended after last ditch talks produced an “improved offer”. The GMB is now balloting members to see if they accept the new offer. If they do, all strike action will be called off.
Wilko had previously said they were bringing the new rota in because customers expect to shop seven days a week and the business needed to respond to these needs.
Speaking about the new deal, a spokesperson for the retailer said: “Throughout the talks, as a family business, finding a workable way to land seven-day operations and guarantee more time off for our team members to spend with their families has been our top priority, our new offer will deliver this.
“It’s no secret retail is tough and we believe the best way to resolve our differences is by listening, talking and working things through together.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with the GMB to implement seven-day operations that meet our customers’ shopping needs, is right for team members and our business.”
