Over 450 lorry drivers employed by Wincanton on the Morrisons distribution contract across northern England and the Midlands have secured a huge pay increase, with workers receiving rises between 18-24.4 per cent.

 

Operate across northern England

 

The workers, who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, operate from distribution centres at Gadbrook in Cheshire, Stockton-on-Tees and Wakefield and had recorded a 98 per cent yes vote for strike action.

 

As a result the overwhelming mandate for industrial action fresh negotiations were held with management at the company and a new pay offer was proposed.

 

Exceptional pay increase 

 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “By standing together in unity our members employed by Wincanton on the Morrisons contract have secured an exceptional pay increase.

 

“This deal further demonstrated how Unite as a union protects and enhances its members’ jobs, pay and conditions.”

 

Backdated pay

 

The deal was for an 18 per cent pay increase on basic pay and all allowances for the drivers at Gadbrook and Wakefield and 24.4 per cent for those based at Stockton–on–Tees (in order to bring their pay rates in line with workers on the rest of the contract).

 

Following a ballot of members the offer was accepted and the potential industrial action cancelled.

 

The pay deal is backdated to August for the drivers at Gadbrook and Wakefield and from July for the drivers based at Stockton-on-Tees.

 

Members' unity

 

Unite regional officer Mark Jessop said: “By securing such an overwhelming mandate for industrial action, senior management understood that they needed to return to the negotiating table in order to avoid highly disruptive industrial action.

 

“It is hoped that this deal will act as a line in the sand and our members on this contract will now be properly valued and rewarded in the future.”

 

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 more information please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 020 3371 2067 or 07802 329235.

 

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

 

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Web: 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.