Sainsbury’s Birmingham and Essex lorry strikes off as Unite secures driver win

Strikes by around 500 Sainsbury’s lorry drivers based in Essex and Birmingham will not go ahead after an improved deal was secured by Unite, the UK’s leading union.

The workers voted for strike action earlier this month over the terms of compensatory packages offered to them for when they transfer employment to Wincanton at the end of April.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Well done to our Sainsbury’s lorry driver members in Essex and Birmingham, who by voting for strike action secured improved compensation packages. Once again, Unite’s total focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is paying dividends for our members.”

The dispute has now ended and has not resulted in any disruption to Sainsbury’s distribution centres in Coleshill, Birmingham and Waltham Abbey, Essex.

Unite national officer Matt Draper said: “By overwhelmingly voting for strike action, our members compelled Sainsbury’s to change its position and offer an enhanced compensation for their transfer to Wincanton. Unite is the union that wins for workers.”