Gloucester UPS strikes off

The immediate threat of severe delays to parcel deliveries in the Gloucestershire area have been temporarily averted as negotiations between UPS and Unite, the UK’s leading union, have made some initial progress.

As a consequence the first strikes announced last week in the dispute over bullying, health and safety and dignity at work at the company’s Gloucester Business Park depot have been suspended.

The strikes which were scheduled for Friday, July 30, Monday, August 2 and Tuesday, August 3, will not now take place, to allow for further negotiations.

However, if the dispute is not resolved strikes will begin on Wednesday, August 4, with further strikes scheduled throughout August and into September.

Unite national officer for parcels and logistics Matt Draper said, “Initial progress in the dispute has been made in negotiations brokered by, the conciliation service Acas, and therefore as a gesture of goodwill the first three days of strike action have been suspended.

“This will allow for further talks to take place later this week and hopefully an agreement can be reached which will resolve the problems of bullying and safety breaches which have afflicted the Gloucester depot for far too long,” he added.

“Gloucestershire residents need to be aware that if the talks do not produce an acceptable solution then strike action is still scheduled and will begin next week, bringing considerable disruption to the parcel and delivery service in the area.”

By Barckley Sumner