Unite, the UK’s leading union, has secured formal recognition for workers employed by DHL at East Midlands Airport.

The 230 workers employed by DHL, who undertake ramp duties at the airport, will now have their pay, hours and holiday entitlement negotiated for them by Unite.

The recognition deal is a major achievement for Unite, which has been seeking to secure formal recognition for the workers for many years to improve pay and working conditions. The deal is also politically significant as East Midlands Airport forms a freeport zone and there have been concerns that these could effectively become trade union free zones.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent result and good news for the workers employed by DHL at East Midlands Airport. The workforce now have Unite fully in their corner.

“This recognition deal demonstrates how Unite’s commitment to defending the jobs, pay and conditions of its members is constantly being extended to cover a growing number of workers.”

Unite regional officer Melanie Todner said: “The recognition agreement could not have been achieved without the hard work and commitment of Unite’s members and officials, who ensured that the deal was agreed.”

“Unite will now be building on the recognition agreement in future negotiations with the company to secure the best possible pay and conditions for workers at DHL East Midlands Airport.”

ENDS

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

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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