Evri delivery drivers have reacted angrily to a proposed pay deal put to them and jointly negotiated with their union, claiming it will result in a reduction in their salaries.
However, the parcel delivery company told Motor Transport that it had no intention to cut anyone’s pay and there had been a misunderstanding about minimum rates.
Last month, both Evri and the GMB put out a joint statement saying following extensive discussions they had agreed a “landmark two-year deal” and it would be recommended to members.
The agreement included a guaranteed minimum equivalent hourly rate of £15 and £15.80 in London. A vote on the proposed offer closes later this month.
But couriers said they were angry and disappointed by the union’s approach and that congratulating Evri was “inept” and had infuriated them.
One claimed that ‘time on task’ factors that workers faced daily were not being reflected and vehicle costs had not been taken into consideration either.
“GMB members are disgusted with this offer,” the courier told Motor Transport.
“It is not a deal. It hasn’t even been voted on by the vast majority of members.
“Many members face a pay cut if this goes through. I understand there is a significant lack of unity regarding this offer, even amongst the union’s national reps.”
Another courier said they hoped Evri colleagues got comprehensible information about the offer so that they could come to an informed decision about which way to vote:
“I’m seriously concerned that the complexity of the paperwork issued by Evri about the deal will confuse many,” the courier said.
An Evri spokesperson said there had been a misunderstanding over the minimum rate and that it was designed as a floor, not a ceiling.
The spokesperson said: “The proposal currently being voted on was jointly negotiated by Evri and GMB over a number of months and is being recommended by both parties.
“It includes a guaranteed minimum equivalent hourly rate of £15 nationally and £15.80 in London for eligible couriers, enhanced earnings protections through to 2028, improved holiday entitlement, one-off payments of up to £1,250 and additional opportunities for couriers to join the Evri Plus programme.
“The guaranteed hourly rate is a minimum earnings floor, not a cap on earnings. Average earnings across our courier network are already above £20 per equivalent hour, with many couriers earning significantly more.”
The Evri spokesperson added: “This remains a live ballot and it is right that members are given the opportunity to consider the proposal and have their say. We look forward to hearing the outcome once the ballot concludes.”
The GMB was asked whether it was aware of any problems with the proposed offer and if it would be renegotiated. A press spokesperson said: “The offer is out to ballot and will close on 30 October.”
