Bidvest in talks with employees after strike action vote

Bidvest Logistics has said it is consulting with employees to find the best solution after GMB union members at its Hoddeson voted in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay.

The GMB said that 80 of its members employed as drivers and drivers’ mates at Bidvest’s Hoddeson, Hertfordshire depot voted in favour of strike action.

It said its members are seeking pay parity with employees at Bidvest sites in Banbury, Oxfordshire. The GMB also claims that staff at Bidvest sites in Royton, Greater Manchester and Larbert, Falkirk are paid “significantly more”.

A date for strike action at the site has yet to be announced by the GMB union.

Shaun Foley, managing director of Bidvest Logistics, said: “We are aware of planned strike action at our Hoddeson depot and are consulting with employees and GMB in order to find the best solution moving forward.

“Our salaries are benchmarked for the area and we are committed to providing a safe and fair working environment for all,” he added.

Karen Lally, GMB regional organiser, said that Bidvest had turned down its demand for pay parity with Banbury.

“We are not demanding more than the Banbury drivers, although there is a higher cost of living for where our members work, which is mainly within the M25 and the Greater London area,” she said.