THE Co-op says it is taking "extensive action" to try and "minimise disruption" if strikes which were voted for by delivery drivers go ahead. 

Hundreds of workers at a logistics firm which delivers goods to Co-op stores are to stage a series of strikes in a dispute over pay.

Members of Unite the union, employed as drivers and transport clerks by GXO, will take 40 days of action between the end of May and August.

More than 330 workers based at the company’s depot in Elton Head Road, Lea Green, are involved in the dispute.

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Unite says the drivers are currently paid a standard rate of £14.77 an hour but drivers employed on comparable contracts are often paid more than £17 an hour.

The union says the strike action would have an immediate effect on supplies.

The first strike is scheduled to start Wednesday, May 31, which coincides with the celebrations for the Queen's jubilee. 

In total, 20 separate 48-hour strikes have been voted for.

GXO says discussions are "ongoing" to reach an "agreement with all parties involved".

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “GXO’s refusal to pay our members the rate for the job means Co-op stores will now be short of goods.

“This is a wealthy company that has no excuse not to pay proper wages.

“GXO needs to get real and make an offer that meets our members’ expectations. Unite will be giving these workers its full support until this dispute is resolved.”

St Helens Star: Hundreds of workers at the depot voted for industrial actionHundreds of workers at the depot voted for industrial action

A GXO spokesman said: “We are committed to being an employer of choice for our employees and our customers.

“Discussions are ongoing in order to reach agreement with all parties involved.”

Meanwhile, a Co-op spokesman, added: “We are very sorry it has got to this point.

“We are working closely with GXO who employ the drivers, as they seek to continue discussions to try and resolve the dispute.

“Shoppers should rest assured that we are also taking extensive steps and putting plans in place in the event that action should still take place to minimise disruption and ensure customers can get the products they want and need, conveniently.”