Drivers at UPS in Camden, London will strike for two days next week, in a row over alleged bullying, harassment and racism.

The troubled depot has been at the centre of various disputes over the last three years, with the Unite union claiming staff are being forced to work overtime and that it has received complaints of “unfair treatment and a failure to see workers as human beings.”

The 140 workers will strike for 24 hours on Wednesday 7 December and Friday 9 December; both actions starting at 00.01. The workers voted by 85% in favour of strike action.

Onay Kasab, Unite regional officer, said: “The drivers are forced to work overtime so that they can finish their deliveries. If they refuse or fail to finish deliveries, they are disciplined.

“There is a harsh disciplinary process when drivers have accidents, but, ironically, accidents are more likely to happen because of the continual pressure placed on them.

Kasab added: “Those who load the vans in the warehouse complain of racism and bullying, unfair treatment and a failure to see workers as human beings.

“There is a palpable sense of déjà vu about this dispute, as three years ago we had a dispute with UPS at this depot on almost the same issues.

“The local UPS management don’t seem to have learned the lessons of history and we are again faced with a dispute that could severely disrupt UPS deliveries to its customers in the run-up to Christmas.”

In a statement, UPS told Motortransport.co.uk it had put in place contingency plans in order that disruption was minimal, “should the action occur.”

The statement added: “Discussions with Unite are currently on-going under the oversight of Acas, and we remain hopeful that a mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached.”

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