Drivers at Welsh agricultural haulier vote to strike over pay

HGV drivers at Wynnstay Agricultural Supplies in Mid-Wales have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in a dispute over their pay structure.

According to union Unite, the company, which manufactures and supplies agricultural products to farmers and the wider rural community across the UK, has imposed changes which will result in an earnings drop for drivers of up to 25%, but with an increase in contractual hours.

It said Wynnstay had done this without any agreement from the workforce.

A ballot of its drivers resulted in 82% favouring industrial action, which will commence with a 24-hour strike on 2 March.

This will be followed by an overtime ban from 3 to 8 March.

Wynnstay holds several standard national operators’ licences, which authorise up to 42 HGVs out of 27 operating centres across Wales and south west England.

Unite said the industrial action will be taken at Wynnstay’s Llansantfraid and Carmarthen depots.

Jo Goodchild, Unite regional officer, said: “The changes to our members contracts and the effect on their earnings are completely unacceptable.

“The actions of Wynnstay have resulted in a lot of anger amongst the HGV drivers affected and this is reflected in the overwhelming vote by the drivers to take industrial action.

“Our members feel that they have not been listened to and left with no choice but to strike. The company’s actions are misjudged and fail to reflect the dedication and commitment of its loyal workforce.”

Goodchild added: “Wynnstays need to take stock and think very carefully upon what its workforce is saying to it.

“If these changes are not reversed then a sustained period of industrial action lies ahead.”

A statement from Wynnstay said: “Wynnstay confirms that it continues in discussions with its drivers, and endeavours to proceed constructively and productively so that an acceptable agreement can be reached.”