A row over pay involving 1,000 GXO draymen which had threatened to affect beer deliveries has been resolved, after they voted overwhelmingly to accept a 4% pay deal.
Union Unite said the drivers delivered around 40% of the country’s beer to pubs and hospitality outlets across the UK from 26 sites. Strike action was due to go ahead after the draymen were given a “paltry” 1.4% pay offer by the company, previously known as XPO Logistics Drinks.
The union said this fell below the current RPI inflation rate of 3.9% and added another blow to a workforce which had already lost up to £10,000 over the last year due to furlough and a lack of overtime, coupled with no pay increase in 2020.
However, two days of scheduled strikes were suspended while members voted on the renewed deal from GXO.
Unite national officer Joe Clarke said: “We regard this agreement as a significant victory for our members, given that the company had originally offered a paltry 1.4% for this year. We wanted a pay rise that reflected the current cost of living and we have achieved that goal.
“It demonstrates what can be achieved when Unite members show determination and solidarity, backed up with a strong mandate for industrial action.”
Clarke added: “I would like to thank our members for the unity they have displayed during these tough negotiations which greatly assisted in obtaining the pay package that has now been accepted.
“We look forward to a constructive dialogue with the management going forward on the many issues facing the sector.”
GXO had not responded to requests for comment at the time of writing.
