Argos drivers' pre-Xmas strike called off by Unite union

A planned strike by drivers who deliver goods for Argos has been called off, just a day after it was announced.

The Unite (Frankfurt: 634811 - news) union said on Tuesday that a three-day walkout by drivers working for delivery firm Wincanton (LSE: WIN.L - news) from next Tuesday threatened "mayhem" for the retailer's Christmas deliveries.

They will now vote on a new pay deal agreed between Wincanton and the union at a pre-planned meeting.

Following confirmation the strike had been suspended pending the new ballot, Argos said: "We're pleased that both sides (Wincanton and Unite) have resolved their issues.

"Once again, we'd like to reassure our customers that it's business as usual this Christmas at Argos."

The action had threatened to add to the feeling of a 'red' Christmas build-up - given separate disputes involving Post Office workers and rail workers on the Southern franchise.

The same union involved in the Argos drivers' dispute, Unite, confirmed on Wednesday that BA cabin crew in its Mixed Fleet had voted to back strikes in a pay row - with any stoppages able to take place before Christmas.