Co-op delivery drivers win 5% pay rise

More than 1,000 HGV drivers employed by the Co-op on its delivery contract have secured a 5% pay increase.

This is the latest of a series of HGV driver pay increases secured by Unite on behalf of its members, including wage rises for DHL workers on the Dartford Sainsbury’s contract, North West Argos drivers and the Heinz distribution contract.

The wage hike negotiated with the Co-op will be backdated from 1 February 2021 with a further 5% increase payable from 1 November 2021.

The increase will also apply to all unsocial hours and weekend working premiums that drivers receive. As part of the agreement, negotiated by Unite, the anniversary date for the next pay deal has been set for August 2022.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent result for our driver members at the Co-op and demonstrates what can be achieved through negotiation when workers are organised.

“Lorry drivers have had to endure low pay and poor conditions for far too long. Unite is dedicated to putting the jobs, pay and conditions of its members first. There is no way that Unite will accept continuing low pay and poor conditions for its lorry driver members.”

Unite national officer Adrian Jones added: “Unite is winning inflation busting pay increases across the entire HGV sector. The union is determined to ensure that the campaign for better wages and conditions will continue until it is successful.”