DELIVERY DRIVERS’ STRIKE LOOMS

Walk-out after offer branded ‘pay cut’

DHL delivery drivers will stage a walk-out this month amid an ongoing row about pay.

The Sentinel reported in April how DHL employees voted 96 per cent in favour of strike action during a consultative ballot after being offered a five per cent pay rise.

The workers, who deliver JCB parts between factories across the UK, say the offer is a ‘real-terms pay cut’ because it is below inflation which is at nine per cent. Now DHL drivers have voted in favour of full strike action. They will walk out on May 23 and 24, with more dates to be confirmed. GMB organiser

Stuart Harrison said: “These are skilled drivers who are falling behind with pay rates while cost of living skyrockets. The company needs to concentrate on their employees and not sponsorship deals around the world.

“GMB members have rejected a below-inflation pay offer and have decided enough is enough.”

A spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said: “We are disappointed, both that the GMB union has voted in favour of industrial action, and in the inaccuracy of the union’s statement. The pay offer we have made amounts to a 9% increase, which is above inflation and extremely generous in the current climate. Secondly, the negotiations relate to our drivers and not the customer’s.

“We remain open to further talks to reach a satisfactory outcome for both parties, but robust contingency plans are now in place and every effort will be made to minimise disruption to services should the action go ahead.”

A spokesman for JCB said: “This is a matter for DHL – as the employer – to resolve.”