Bumper pay deal for lorry drivers on Sainsbury's contract

Unite has secured a ‘significant’ pay rise for more than 200 DHL lorry drivers employed at the Sainsbury’s regional distribution centre in Dartford.

The increase, worth 6.2 per cent, equates to at least £2,200 pound a year and comes after the drivers signalled their willingness to strike over pay during a consultative ballot held in August.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “By standing firm and rejecting DHL’s initial offer of just one per cent, Unite’s DHL members at Sainsbury’s Dartford distribution centre secured a pay deal that reflects their worth.

“As a union, Unite is wholly dedicated to bettering members’ jobs, pay and conditions, either through negotiations or industrial action if necessary,” she added.

DHL is contracted to run Sainsbury’s Dartford regional distribution centre, including driving and warehouse operations.

The drivers voted by 90 per cent to accept the pay offer.

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said, “Following negotiations with Unite, DHL put forward a pay offer that was acceptable to their Dartford workforce.

“This significant pay rise is exactly why workers wanting to improve their wages and working lives should join Unite and encourage their colleagues to do the same.”

By Ryan Fletcher