Morrisons strikes called off as Unite accept supermarket's offer

Workers at the supermarket’s vegetable packhouse in Rudheath will no longer take industrial action.

It comes after Unite the Union 'claimed victory' in a dispute over pensions, pay and working conditions.

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.” 

A Morrisons spokesperson added: "We are pleased that through open communication with Unite we have together found a way forward." 

Staff went to the picket lines for three days in May and were due to go on strike again in June (Image: Newsquest)

Hundreds of members of staff at the Rudheath warehouse, along with employees at another in Wakefield, had been due to go on strike from June 13 to 16.

This follows three days of action at the end of May over proposed changes to their pension contributions, which Unite say would have left them hundreds of pounds a year worse off.

There were also concerns around pay and working conditions such as long service awards and pick rates.

Morrisons presented new terms and conditions earlier this month, which members were balloted on.

This deal has now been approved and will see workers contribute the same amount towards their pension as they currently do.

Further benefits include a new Service Award scheme which will pay up to £350 for long-service milestones.

Additionally, from July 1, a nine per cent increase will be applied on all rates of pay, including weekend incentive premiums and freezer allowance with the existing additional anti-social hours shift pay maintained.

Morrisons will also conduct reviews of pick rates and job roles.

Unite national officer Adrian Jones said: "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.

“Instead of being hundreds of pounds out of pocket they are thousands of pounds up.

“This is further evidence that if you want your employer to hear your voice loud and clear, join a union."