SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons has backed down in its dispute with workers at a Northwich distribution depot in a last-ditch bid to avert strike action.

Company officials will meet representatives from the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) and GMB today, Wednesday, with planned strike action on hold pending the outcome of crisis talks.

The dramatic twist comes after more than 550 T&G members at Rudheath voted overwhelmingly in favour of a series of walkouts last week after unions failed to get a positive response on their demands for joint national bargaining.

The proposed move formed part of a national plan in five of Morrisons' 17 warehouses stretching from Scotland to Kent, and would be the first time workers have attempted to cut off a supermarket's supply chain.

Brian Revell,, national organiser for the TGWU, accused the company of blocking trade union activity by refusing to allow shop stewards to meet on company time.

He said: "We need proper consultation and negotiation with the company at national level - we want a good relationship with Morrisons where our stewards are respected."

In a statement before its u-turn, Morrisons, which has a large store in Winsford, attempted to reassure customers that planned strikes would not affect them.

"We will ensure that our stores continue to be well serviced and our customers are able to shop with us normally.

"On the five sites only 25 per cent of our employees voted to support strike action.

"This would seem to indicate that the majority of people there do not wish to stop work to support these two unions' desire for joint national bargaining."

Despite this apparent confidence, the company has confirmed agreement to establish just that with the five depots affected.

TGWU and GMB said they looked forward to 'full and frank negotiations' and promised to reconsider their position regarding possible stoppages until after today's meeting.