Brooklands, Bromley, Croydon and Dartford workers angry at refusal to offer pay rise

London mechanics at Hedin Mercedes-Benz dealerships are being balloted for strike action over pay, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

The mechanics, responsible for Mercedes repairs, MOTs and servicing across the capital, are angry that the company is refusing to put forward any pay offer for 2025.

Last year, the workers received a two per cent pay rise, while the average rate of RPI inflation for 2024 was 3.6 per cent. Meanwhile, RPI inflation for April 2025 was 4.5 per cent.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Hedin cannot expect its workers to keep swallowing real terms wage cuts. Unite defends our members’ jobs, pay and conditions to the hilt. Hedin’s workers have their union’s full backing in fighting for a fair pay rise.”

The workers are being balloted until 9 June. Strike action would impact Hedin customers requiring repairs, servicing and MOTs across its four sites in Brooklands, Bromley, Croydon and Dartford.

Unite regional officer Lui D’Cunha said: “Mercedes Benz will not be happy that its brand is being dragged into a dispute over workers facing real terms pay cuts in one of the most expensive cities in the world during a cost-of-living crisis.

“Nor will their customers be pleased that they are facing disruption to getting their cars serviced, repaired or MOTed. There is still time to avoid industrial action, but that will require Hedin putting forward an acceptable pay offer.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.
 
Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.