Strike action at Booker’s Thamesmead depot has been postponed up to 4 October following “constructive and positive” discussions.

In September, drivers at the depot had voted unanimously for strike action over a pay dispute, giving Booker one last chance to avert potential disruption to stores in talks held on 21 – 23 September. A joint statement from Booker director of distribution Ian Taylor and Adrian Jones – national officer at trade union Unite – confirmed the discussions were “constructive and positive”, with the parties agreeing to hold further talks on 28 September.

They said: “Throughout the week discussions have been constructive and positive. As a result of these meaningful negotiations, we have mutually agreed that the intended industrial action planned for drivers would be postponed until at least the 4 October to allow further discussions to take place.”

“Progress to date has been productive and the negotiating group remain committed to arrive at a mutually beneficial conclusion that is sustainable for all parties, with the intention to avoid industrial action taking place.”

The pay dispute was triggered after Booker refused to offer drivers at Thamesmead the same £5 pay rise given to drivers at its Hemel Hempstead depot.

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