The prospect of the UK’s construction industry grinding to a halt due to cement shortages has been averted after HGV drivers employed by Hanson accepted an improved pay deal.

United drivers

Over 200 drivers employed by the company had overwhelmingly voted for industrial action in a dispute over pay, a high handed management style and a lack of dignity at work.

Following extensive negotiations, a new pay and conditions offer was proposed. It was accepted by the drivers following a consultative ballot, with 77 per cent of members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, supporting the offer.

Standing together

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members at Hanson have demonstrated that by standing together they have secured significant improvements on pay and conditions. 

"That is an example to all our union members. All employers also have to understand that Unite is absolutely determined to make sure that workers do not pay the price for the pandemic.”

Terms of deal

The terms of the agreement are as follows:

  • A 2.75 per cent increase on all pay rates and allowances backdated to 1 January 2021
  • A 3.25 per cent increase on all pay rates and allowances to be paid from 1 January 2022
  • An increase in the overnight allowance to £42 per night from 1 October 2021
  • A commitment to transform bank holiday working, with drivers informed in advance and volunteers used where possible
  • Mental health awareness delivered jointly by Hanson management and Unite shop stewards to be concluded by first quarter of 2022
  • A joint working agreement between Hanson and Unite including joint training from April 2022
  • Management to share fleet replacement programme with drivers

Management improvements

Unite national officer Adrian Jones said: “Members were adamant that management needed to improve pay and ditch their old fashioned, disrespectful, management style. Once the company accepted this a deal that was acceptable to both sides could be agreed.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Construction facing cement shortages as Castle Cement drivers ballot for strike action

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