DHL drivers balloted over strike

LORRY drivers employed by DHL that carry out deliveries for Sainsbury’s in the South West are being balloted over strike action in a dispute over pay, Unite has said.

The trade union has warned more than 140 drivers who deliver to the supermarket across the region for the courier on an outsourced contract could walk out, disrupting supply chains in the run-up to Christmas.

Unite said the drivers have been offered a 3% pay increase over an 18-month period, which it called “miserly” and below the current

RPI inflation rate of 4.9%.

A two-week ballot will open today and will close on Thursday, November 25. If voted for, Unite said strikes could begin as early as the second week of December.

Unite regional officer Shevaun Hunt said: “Our members are balloting for strike action as, despite protracted negotiations, DHL has failed to make a reasonable pay offer. Even at this late stage, DHL can still avoid strike action by returning to the negotiating table and making an offer which meets workers’ expectations.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham added the union would be providing its full support to its members in the dispute for “a fair day’s pay”.

A spokesperson for DHL said: “We are disappointed that Unite the union and its members are balloting on industrial action. In recent days we have tabled an improved offer and look forward to further talks to reach a satisfactory outcome for all parties, but contingency plans are being drawn up to minimise disruption to deliveries should the action go ahead.”