Over 100 HGV drivers employed by logistics company GXO on the Co-op supermarket contract based at Avonmouth in South West England have secured a 15 per cent pay increase.

The pay increase follows a long period of industrial unrest at the workers’ depot. The workforce had voted for strike action over a catalogue of work/life balance issues, including rotas and booking holidays, all of which were having a detrimental effect on the drivers’ morale.

Although the pay issue and the threat of industrial action were not directly linked, through two sets of separate negotiations between Unite and GXO, the pay deal was agreed, and all the issues about workers’ work/life balance were satisfactorily resolved.

Outstanding win

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an outstanding win for our members as it delivers a substantial pay increase. That reps have also been able to resolve the many other issues that have been damaging morale at the company is great news.

“This agreement at GXO demonstrates that Unite is delivering on its cast iron commitment to always put the jobs, pay and conditions of our members first.”

Hardworking reps

Unite regional officer Gareth Lowe said: “This pay deal represents good value for hard working drivers who have continued to work throughout the pandemic.

 “The fact that both pay and the work/life balance issues that nearly led to a strike have been resolved concurrently is testament to the hard work of reps and management. It is hoped that this agreement will herald a period of cooperation between workers and management and will pave the way for more harmonious industrial relations going forward.”

18 month deal

The increase in basic pay covers an 18 month period from February 2021 to August 2022. 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

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]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.