GMB Union has announced that Yodel has offered a significant pay rise to LGV drivers following the threat of strike action.
GMB praised Yodel for “doing the right thing” and offering a pay increase for staff that will see LGV drivers given a pay rise to £16 (US$21.80) per hour. In Hatfield, the London weighting will take drivers pay to £17.19 (US$23.40) per hour.
The move comes after stormy negotiations saw 95% of GMB LGV drivers in Yodel voting to take industrial action, which could have seen supply chains affected to some of the country’s biggest retailers, including M&S and Aldi.
The union is still in discussions over some outstanding issues which includes the settlement of an employment tribunal affecting 137 members, which Yodel has agreed in principle to resolve.
Steve Garelick, GMB London regional organizer, said, “This is a great outcome for our LGV1 drivers at Yodel in Hatfield who before this earned some of the worst wages and endure less than satisfactory working conditions.
“By standing strong and together GMB members have held Yodel to account and helped the company realize the true worth of LGV drivers. It took some time, but Yodel did the right thing and agreed to the pay rise. If anyone ever doubted the worth of being in a union, they need only read this story.”
Mike Hancox, CEO at Yodel, commented, “We are pleased to have reached agreement with the GMB on an offer that they are recommending to their members.”