'Massive milestone'

An inflation-busting pay increase has been negotiated for 350 drivers and warehouse staff working for drinks logistics giant GXO, which Unite the union said was ‘a massive milestone in very difficult times’.

Unite said that it had negotiated an up to 23 per cent pay increase for drivers and up to 10 per cent for warehouse staff employed by GXO,  formally XPO Primary Logistics, at sites across the UK. The 15-month award runs to 1 January 2023.

Unite national officer for the food and drinks sector Joe Clarke said, “This inflation-busting increase goes some way to address the cost of living increases our members are currently experiencing

“It also helps the employer in relation to the labour shortages they are now facing within the food drinks sector post-Brexit and as we come out of the pandemic,” he added.

“Our members fully deserve this increase – and credit goes to the reps’ negotiating team within GXO. This increase follows on from a four per cent increase within GXO drinks logistics for our beer delivery members,” Clarke continued.

“Thanks to our reps’ negotiating skills and solidarity we have achieved a massive milestone during these very difficult times, leading to a solid foundation as we move forward.”

The sites covered include Coventry, Derby, Hams Hall (Warwickshire), Livingston, Minworth (West Midlands), Newton Heath (Manchester), Thatcham (Berkshire) and Wakefield.

Unite is dedicated to advancing the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and will fight back against any efforts to diminish workers’ living standards.

By Shaun Noble