Around 500 Hatfield HGV drivers and warehouse workers on XPO’s Arla contract have won a “much-improved” pay offer after balloting in favour of strike action, union Unite announced today (26 October).
The workers, who are employed by XPO to warehouse and transport Arla dairy products, will benefit from a 3.4% pay rise as well as the introduction of a company sick pay scheme. Previously workers had to rely on statutory sick pay if they became ill.
The company’s initial pay offer was 2.5%, with no company sick pay.
The workers voted in favour of taking industrial action but the dispute was resolved without any strikes taking place.
As well as a pay rise and company sick pay, XPO drivers at Hatfield will also receive an extra day of annual leave.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “XPO workers achieved this pay victory by standing strong in their union and voting for strike action.
“Defending and improving workers’ jobs, pay and conditions is Unite’s top priority.”
Perry White, Unite regional officer, added: “From the outset, this was about more than a pay rise. Our members wanted proper financial protection when they were ill, rather than having to rely on statutory sick pay.
“The company initially resisted introducing a sick-pay scheme, but through the determination of our members and workplace representatives, we have secured a new scheme alongside a consolidated, backdated pay increase.”
