A drivers' strike planned for today (24 September) at a Hovis Bakeries plant in south-west England has been called off after a last ditch pay offer.
Unite, the union representing the around 60 distribution drivers set to take part in the industrial action today at Avonmouth, Bristol, said the walk-out had been "suspended".
"Following late night negotiations this has been paused to allow workers to vote on a new pay offer," Unite said in a statement after warning earlier in the week of potential shortages of bread, buns and muffins if the dispute went ahead.
John Sweeney, Unite's regional officer, added: "After fresh negotiations, we have decided to pause industrial action to allow members to have their say on a new offer from Hovis."
Hovis Bakeries, a new unit recently formed by the parent company Associated British Foods (ABF) following this year's acquisition of the business, had disputed Unite's suggestion that the strike would cause shortages.
The bakery company declined to comment on what the new pay offer is when contacted by Just Food today.
However, a Hovis Bakeries' spokesperson said: "Following a day of constructive discussion yesterday, we are pleased that union ...