A miserable 3.2 per cent is to blame for months of strikes

Deliveries of VW vehicles including, Audi, Porsche and Skoda models will face significant delays for months to come unless the profitable GBA Group improves its miserable pay offer of just 3.2%.

The strike will mean new VW car deliveries in the Southeast, London and beyond face significant delays as workers at Sheerness Docks prepare to strike for two weeks, beginning the 17 August and then in September and October (see notes).

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “GBA Group can afford to pay workers a decent wage. The company is making millions delivering Porsches and Audis while workers struggle to pay the bills. It’s completely unacceptable and the workers have Unite’s unwavering support.”

G.B. Terminals latest financial returns show it had a turnover of £16.4 million for the year ending April 2022. The company paid dividends of almost £1.3 million. G.B. Terminals is part of the profitable GBA Group.

Unite regional officer, Phil Silkstone said: “The penny-pinching owners at GBA Group have so far refused to meet in order to avert strike action. A 3.2 per cent pay offer is a significant real terms pay cut. It leaves poorly paid employees wondering how they’re going to pay the bills.”

“We are fully open talks to avert this strike action and ensure VW deliveries make their way to customers who are looking forward to receiving new registration cars in September.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

 Workers will take part in discontinuous strike action as follows:

  • Commencing at 00:01 hours on 17th August 2023 and continuing each day up to 31st August 2023 when the action will conclude at 23:59 hours;
  • Commencing at 00:01 hours on 7th September 2023 and continuing each day up to 14th September 2023 when the action will conclude at 23:59 hours;
  • Commencing at 00:01 hours on 21st September 2023 and continuing each day up to 28th September 2023 when the action will conclude at 23:59 hours;
  • Commencing at 00:01 hours on 5th October 2023 and continuing each day up to 12th October 2023 when the action will conclude at 23:59 hours

For more information please contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315 

Email: Ci[email protected]

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

Unite is the leading union in the UK and Ireland, dedicated to defending and improving members' jobs, pay and conditions. The general secretary is Sharon Graham