Delivery drivers from Argos are set to go on strike in the run up to Christmas.
In a row over holiday back pay, members of the union Unite, based at the Wincanton distribution centre in Staffordshire, will walk out for three days from next Tuesday unless talks avert strike action.
Bosses and union officials will get round the negotiating table at conciliation Acas in a bid to ensure deliveries ahead of Christmas arrive on time.
Unite said they had been working for years to bring an end to the row, which is over £700 of back pay.
Unless talks succeed, the strike will mean people who’ve ordered Christmas gifts for home delivery from Argos may not get them before Christmas.
However, Argos say they are busy planning to avoid disruption for their customers.
Unite regional officer Rick Coyle said talks will be held on Wednesday. He said: “For more than two years Unite has tried to solve this dispute and tomorrow we will continue to strain every sinew to achieve that goal,” he said.
“However, until there is a satisfactory settlement, the 72-hour strike due to start on Tuesday is still scheduled to go ahead.”
An Argos spokesman said: “We would encourage both sides to keep talking with the aim of coming to a swift resolution.
“We also have contingency plans in place and can reassure customers we’re working hard to ensure this will not impact our deliveries this Christmas.”
[Source:- manchestereveningnews]