Delivery drivers strike at Cambuslang depot
Parcels left on floor in row over pay and conditions
Thousands of parcels were left on the floor of Cambuslang’s DPD depot last week as drivers walked out over pay and working conditions.
Dozens of drivers, who work for the delivery company on a self employed basis, went on strike on Tuesday to protest against changes to their contract.
The drivers are specifically concerned about a reduction of delivery rates on a sliding scale and additional forced weekend working.
Drivers also claim the contract changes have been introduced on a “take it or leave it” basis.
Calne Waterson, GMB Scotland organiser, said: “Our members driving for DPD have been backed into a corner by these arbitrary and detrimental changes to their contracts.
“Their delivery rates have been slashed, which amounts to a pay cut, while they are now subject to enforced hours which GMB believes is in breach of the working time directive.
“On top of all this, the company has either ignored or refused GMB’s attempts to meet and discuss the drivers’ concerns.
“Drivers felt they had no option left but to make this protest.”
Almost 90 people stood outside the gates of the depot at Cambuslang Investment Park on Tuesday in a bid to force DPD to rethink its position.
Mr Calne said he wanted to see a change in attitude towards the drivers who, although self employed, faced losing their jobs if they failed to agree the new terms.
He said following the strike, DPD and drivers had agreed a truce which would ensure work for four drivers who previously faced losing their contract with the company.
But he warned further action could take place in the new year if DPD failed to address concerns.
A spokesman for DPD said: “We recognise that a handful of drivers at our Cambuslang depot have raised some concerns recently and we have already said that we will meet with them in January to discuss these issues.
“Drivers have a choice as to whether to be employed or selfemployed owner drivers.
“Since 2008, over 1,300 DPD employed drivers have chosen to convert to become franchisees.
“In fact, our franchise drivers have told GMB specifically that they want to remain selfemployed.
“While all our workers are free to join any union, we are not required to formally recognise any union in negotiations with our self-employed franchise owners.
“Regarding our delivery rates for self-employed drivers. We haven’t slashed our rates, as claimed, in fact the basic rate went up at the last review. The new rates are designed to be fairer for all drivers, all year round.”
Around 150 driver franchisees took part in the DPD demonstration at the firm’s depots in Cambuslang, Uddingston, Edinburgh and Dundee.