GXO employed drivers based in Derbyshire, Somerset, Kent, West Yorkshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Suffolk and Newcastle demand better wages

Lorry drivers delivering NHS supplies nationwide are being balloted for strike action over pay, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

Nearly 200 drivers employed by GXO in Alfreton in Derbyshire, Bridgwater in Somerset, Normanton in West Yorkshire, Maidstone in Kent, Rugby in Warwickshire, Bury St Edmonds in Suffolk and Washington in Newcastle are being balloted.

They have rejected a four per cent offer from GXO, which runs the NHS supply chain contract for Supply Chain Coordination Limited (SCCL). SCCL is wholly owned by NHS England.

GXO claims SCCL has said the pay offer cannot be increased as it is more than was offered to NHS workers. However, GXO workers have inferior terms and conditions compared to NHS contracts, including a much lower pension.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “GXO and SCCL’s offer was met with a near unanimous rejection by workers. It must be improved. Unite is backing these workers all the way in their fight for a deal that reflects their hard work and dedication.”

The workers drive HGV and other vehicles delivering NHS general equipment and supplies to hospitals across the country.

The ballot for industrial action closes on 17 September, with potential strikes causing disruption to NHS supply chains.

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “GXO and SCCL are forcing these workers towards industrial action. They will bear responsibility for any disruption caused to NHS supplies. Strike action can be avoided, but that will require an acceptable offer being put forward.”

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.