Over 80 lorry drivers employed by transport contractor Wincanton on the Argos contract have secured a huge pay increase.

The drivers who are based at Basildon in Essex, had begun preparing for industrial action over pay. In response, Wincanton entered into negotiations and agreed to increase wages by 20-30 per cent depending on the shifts that drivers operate on.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a tremendous victory, Unite lorry drivers on this Argos contract have secured a whopping pay increase.

 “This is an outstanding example of how, where workers are organised and stick together, earnings are higher and pay awards are larger.”

Unite has secured pay increases on a number of other lorry driving contracts in recent weeks, including several operated by Wincaton including those operated on the Argos North West contract and the Heinz distribution contract.

Unite regional officer Paul Travers added: “Once Wincanton realised that our members were simply not prepared to continue to accept low pay any longer, a deal was able to be thrashed out through negotiations and industrial action was avoided.”

 ENDS

Notes to editors:

During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.