Logistics strikes averted after pay deal agreed

Workers at three DHL Supply Chain sites in South Yorkshire have agreed an improved pay offer from bosses, halting 15 days of strikes.

Workers have agreed to a 2.6% pay offer, benefitting operatives at two sites in Bawtry and also at the Harworth site, which is due to close.

150 staff will be transferred to Markham Vale, operated by Great Bear Distribution. Positions were thought to be at risk, with union Unite warning Great Bear not to erode the pay and terms and conditions of the 150 workers from Harworth. However the union said it still feared that many workers who could not travel to the new Markham site would not receive contractual redundancy by Great Bear.

Unite regional officer Harriet Eisner said: “The DHL management made an improved offer of 2.6%, up from 1.25%, which was overwhelmingly accepted by our members. As a result, the planned industrial strikes won’t now proceed. I would like to thank our members for the solidarity they have shown during this dispute.

“There have been assurances from DHL about the TUPE – Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations – move to Great Bear.

“However, we still have concerns about the new employer, Great Bear and the risk that it may be ‘picking and choosing’ who it wishes to make redundant from those transferring.

“So far, Great Bear has indicated it intends to remove some of the terms and conditions enjoyed by the DHL staff, including paid breaks, collective bargaining rights and parts of the sick pay scheme.

“This would be a recipe for poor employment relations and could lead to industrial action, if these proposals are not rescinded. We will continue to fight for our members’ interests.”