HGV drivers employed by the Co-op on its delivery contract have secured an inflation busting pay increase.

The drivers, who are predominantly members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, will receive a five per cent pay increase backdated from 1 February 2021 and a further five per cent increase payable from 1 November 2021.

Excellent result

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent result for our driver members at the Co-op and demonstrates what can be achieved through negotiation when workers are organised.

 “Lorry drivers have had to endure low pay and poor conditions for far too long. Unite is dedicated to putting the jobs, pay and conditions of its members first. There is no way that Unite will accept continuing low pay and poor conditions for its lorry driver members.”

Across the board increases

The increases will also apply to all unsocial hours and weekend working premiums that drivers receive. As part of the agreement the anniversary date for the next pay deal has been set for August 2022.

Over 1,000 drivers based throughout the UK will benefit from this deal.

The increase in pay for the Co-op drivers follows a number of recent pay successes negotiated by Unite. This includes DHL workers on the Dartford Sainsbury’s contract, North West Argos drivers and the Heinz distribution contract.

Better wages

Unite national officer Adrian Jones said: “Unite is winning inflation busting pay increases across the entire HGV sector. The union is determined to ensure that the campaign for better wages and conditions will continue until it is successful.”

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.