Consumers across northern England should brace themselves for a ‘crispstrophe’ as the drivers responsible for delivering Walkers crisps to supermarkets across the UK prepare to take strike action.

Walkers contract

The workers are employed by Eddie Stobart Ltd at its Warrington depot on the Walkers Pepsico contract.

The workers returned a 96.7 per cent vote in favour of strike action before Christmas, as a result of Eddie Stobart trying to enforce a pay freeze on the drivers and refusing to enter into pay negotiations with Unite despite it being the recognised union.

An overtime ban was instigated for a three week period which began on 26 December.

Strikes and overtime ban

However as Eddie Stobart has still declined to enter into pay talks a further overtime ban will commence from 00:01hrs on Saturday 23 January until 00:00hrs on Tuesday 16 February, followed by four days of strike action from Wednesday 17 February until Saturday 20 February.

Unite has also announced a further overtime ban from Saturday 20 February until Saturday 27 February and then a further three days of strike action from Sunday 28 February until Tuesday 2 March.

Given the just in time nature of supermarket deliveries, Walkers products will swiftly disappear from shelves once strike action begins.

Crisp shortages

Unite regional officer Steve Gerrard said: “Consumers across northern England should be bracing themselves for a crispstrophe, if Eddie Stobart bosses fail to come to their senses and enter into pay talks.

 “The Walkers contract is highly lucrative yet Eddie Stobart is refusing to even enter into pay negotiations.

 “The affected drivers have worked throughout the pandemic and the only thanks they are set to receive is a real terms pay cut.

 “Management at Eddie Stobart is guilty of using the Covid-19 pandemic for forcing through a pay cut on its workers.

 “A Walkers crisp famine can still be averted, but Eddie Stobart needs to table a meaningful pay offer and enter into negotiations on all other outstanding issues relating to this trade dispute, to try and reach an amicable resolution."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Crispmas saved as Unite delays strikes on Eddie Stobart Warrington Walkers contract

 During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.