Unipart Logistics has agreed to take part in pay talks affecting NHS lorry drivers after previous negotiations with the Unite union collapsed.
Talks mediated by conciliation service Acas will now take place before a ballot for strike action by “low-paid NHS lorry drivers” goes ahead, according to the union.
It said the drivers are receiving just £10.24 an hour, but that negotiations involving the union, Unipart Logistics and NHS supply company Supply Chain Coordination broke down in November before a deal was reached.
The HGV drivers who are employed by Unipart deliver general NHS supplies across the country and are asking for a pay rise in line with inflation, as well as full sick pay benefits.
Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “Our members would much rather resolve this through Acas rather than having to escalate the dispute by balloting for strike action.
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“But the fact is that they are sick and tired of being paid below standard wages for the industry they work in, even though they carry out a stressful job delivering NHS supplies across the country.
“Unipart’s decision to take part in Acas talks with Unite is a positive step and we hope that this will lead to the dispute being resolved without any further action being taken.”
A Unipart Logistics spokesperson said: “We have agreed to Acas conciliation with Unite, on behalf of their members working for us within the NHS Supply Chain.
“Whilst we have made a very fair offer to Unite, which meets their key requirements, we remain committed to resolving our discussions constructively.”
