Bristol, UK: DHL lorry drivers, working for Sainsbury’s in the South west, have accepted an inflation-beating 14% pay increase.
The 140 drivers, who are members of union Unite began balloting for industrial action earlier this month after drivers rejected the original offer. However, once DHL was notified of the planned industrial action the company made a vastly improved offer, which was then approved by the workforce, says Unite.
The workers will receive a 14% increase in pay on basic salary as part of an 18- month deal from 1 July 2021 and they will receive a lump sum payment worth 14% for the period between 1 July and 31 December 2021.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a first-rate result for Unite professional lorry drivers employed by DHL. This inflation-beating deal recognises the skills and abilities that lorry drivers on vitally important supermarket delivery contracts must possess.”
Unite regional officer Shevaun Hunt said: “Once DHL realised how determined Unite members were to receive a credible offer they swiftly returned to the negotiating table and put forward a deal which met our members’ expectations.”
Meanwhile Morrisons’ warehouse staff are being balloted for industrial action in the run up to Christmas in a dispute over pay. Over 1,100 workers at distribution centres in Northwich, in Cheshire, and Wakefield are affected.
Most workers have been offered a 3% pay increase, although the lowest paid have been offered just 2%.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Morrisons is a multi-million pound operation which has financially benefitted from our members working throughout the pandemic. Workers will simply not accept a pay offer which is a real terms pay cut.
“Unite prioritises the jobs, pay and conditions of all its members and our members at Morrisons will receive the union’s full support in their campaign for a fair pay rise.”
The industrial action ballot runs from 16 November until 30 November.
Unite regional officer Ian McCluskey said: “The workers at both distribution centres have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the past 18 months to ensure an unbroken supply of food and goods reaching supermarkets. Unite will not accept the divide and rule tactics that Morrisons want to introduce over pay.
“If Morrisons want to avoid huge disruption to its stores shortly before Christmas, then they need to return to the negotiating table and make a pay offer acceptable to our members.”
