HUNDREDS of drivers based in Lutterworth are set to protest a forced move to a company which threatens their jobs.
Plans by retail giant Argos to transfer 96 of their Lutterworth drivers to ‘controversial’ haulier Eddie Stobart Ltd has sparked outrage from a 420-strong workforce – who say the move will put their jobs at risk.
The workers, members of Unite – the country’s largest union – said they are seriously concerned if the drivers are transferred to Eddie Stobart, the rest of the fleet will follow with possible detrimental effects on pay, job conditions and job security.
Unite said they regard Eddie Stobart as “a poor employer with a hostile attitude towards its workers.” Last month, Unite settled a similar dispute which centred on the transfer of 87 Coventry-based Co-op drivers to Eddie Stobart – with the majority opting for a severance package rather than working for the hauliers.
The workers – including drivers, warehouse and admin staff – are currently being balloted on whether they want to take strike action or industrial action in a bid to remain employees of Argos. The ballot closes on Tuesday May 31.
Unite regional coordinating officer Paresh Patel said: “Our members consider the identity of their employer is a vital condition of their contract of employment and they don’t want that term being changed unilaterally, as is being currently proposed by Argos for the 96 drivers.
“If that happens, our members will regard this as the thin end of the wedge and the rest of the workforce may face the same fate. After a fashion, the ballot is a back-handed compliment to Argos.”
Mr Patel said the members of Unite had a strong wish to remain employed by Argos, and not Eddie Stobart because of its poor track record in treating workers who have been transferred.
He added: “We believe there has been a failure by the Argos management to adhere to the spirit of the national forum agreement between the management and unions in this respect.
“This dispute will remain unresolved until we receive an undertaking from Argos that it will continue to employ our members.”
According to Unite, Argos outsources the rest of its driver network, around 350 drivers, to Wincanton – but warn they could eventually face the same fate and be transferred to Eddie Stobart.
Argos had not responded to a request for comment by the time The Observer went to press.
