Hundreds of warehouse and logistics staff working for Morrisons in its depots in Cheshire and Yorkshire have accepted new terms from the supermarket after an industrial dispute over pensions, pay and working conditions.
The workers had been taking part in strike action over proposed changes to their pension contributions, which the Unite union claimed would have left some people hundreds of pounds a year worse off. Issues surrounding pay and conditions had also been the subject of the dispute.
About 1,000 staff, who support the distribution of products to nearly 500 Morrisons supermarkets and convenience stores, went on strike between the 23 and 26 May over the issues. However, further action was suspended last week when Morrisons put forward an improved offer.
Following a ballot on the new offer, workers will now contribute the same amount as presently towards their pension. Further improved benefits include a new Service Award scheme, which will pay up to £350 for long-service milestones. And from 1 July, a 9% increase will be applied on all rates of pay. Unite also claimed it forced Morrisons to conduct reviews of “pick rates” and job roles in a transparent manner and with full union involvement.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a great win for our members at Morrisons and shows the real power of a union in the workplace. I’m delighted they have achieved their goals and that the supermarket has seen sense and come up with an acceptable outcome.”
Unite national officer Adrian Jones added: “Our members took to the picket line and were prepared to disrupt supplies to Morrisons’ stores to make their anger felt. They stood strong and have won an important workplace victory including improved pay and conditions as well as protecting their pension contributions.”
NAM Implications:
- The skilled negotiators in our readership may bring to mind the old negotiator’s rule…
- …‘Reach agreement, shake on it and move on’.
- i.e. any additional comments following an agreement that could seem like ‘gloating’…
- …could compromise future discussions.
