The bitter dispute involving lorry drivers and warehouse staff employed by DHL in Liverpool has been resolved after an improved offer was made by the company and accepted by workers.

 

10 days of strikes 

 

The workers, who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, have taken 10 days of strike action since December, in a dispute over low pay, victimisation of workers and a complete breakdown of industrial relations.

 

The DHL depot on Portal Way in the city, is responsible for the distribution of Burton Biscuits (Waggon Wheels and Jammie Dodgers) and AB World Foods (Patak curries and the Blue Dragon Chinese food range). The strike action caused serious disruption to supplies of these products.

 

Improved offer

 

Workers were due to begin a further two days of strike action today (Monday 8 February) but this was called off after DHL made an improved offer, which members accepted.

 

Workers will receive a three per cent pay increase for 2020, backdated to April last year and they will receive a further three per cent + £75 for 2021. DHL has also committed to “ongoing outside influence to change the workplace culture and improve industrial relations”.

 

Commitment to improve industrial relations

 

Unite regional officer Kenny Rowe said: “Members have voted to accept the improved offer from DHL and returned to work.

 

“Unite have taken at face value DHL’s commitment to improve industrial relations and end the victimisation and bullying culture that has been so corrosive at its Portal Way depot.

 

“However, DHL needs to be fully aware that if it fails to honour its promises then Unite will not allow its members to be mistreated and will consider all avenues to protect them including fresh industrial action.”

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors:

 

Wheels fall off Wagon Wheel negotiations as DHL Liverpool contract prepares for fresh strike action

 

During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

 

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

 

Email: [email protected]

 

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion Web: unitetheunion.org

 

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.