Over 450 lorry drivers employed by Wincanton on the Morrisons
distribution contract across northern England and the Midlands
have secured a huge pay increase, with workers receiving rises
between 18-24.4 per cent.
The workers, who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union,
operate from distribution centres at Gadbrook in Cheshire,
Stockton-on-Tees and Wakefield and had recorded a 98 per
cent yes vote for strike action.
As a result the overwhelming mandate for industrial action fresh
negotiations were held with management at the company and a new
pay offer was proposed.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “By standing
together in unity our members employed by Wincanton on the
Morrisons contract have secured an exceptional pay
increase.
“This deal further demonstrated how Unite as a union protects and
enhances its members’ jobs, pay and conditions.”
The deal was for an 18 per cent pay increase on basic pay and all
allowances for the drivers at Gadbrook and Wakefield and 24.4 per
cent for those based at Stockton–on–Tees (in order to bring their
pay rates in line with workers on the rest of the contract).
Following a ballot of members the offer was accepted and the
potential industrial action cancelled.
The pay deal is backdated to August for the drivers at Gadbrook
and Wakefield and from July for the drivers based at
Stockton-on-Tees.
Unite regional officer Mark Jessop said: “By securing such
an overwhelming mandate for industrial action, senior management
understood that they needed to return to the negotiating table in
order to avoid highly disruptive industrial action.
“It is hoped that this deal will act as a line in the sand and
our members on this contract will now be properly valued and
rewarded in the future.”
