Yodel workers at depots in London and the South East vote by a landslide to reject pay increase offer and could take strike action in a further ballot
YODEL staff working from depots in Hatfield, Hayes, Waltham Cross, Basildon & Borehamwood could decide to take strike action along with other staff in Yodel depots across the country over the offer of a disappointing pay rise.
The company has put forward a two-year deal starting from July 2020 to June 2022 with a 2% increase in the first year and a 1.5% increase in the second year.
GMB London, the union for workers in the parcel delivery sector say that workers at Yodel have been working under extreme levels of pressure throughout the six months of the coronavirus crisis, delivering an ever-growing number of parcels due to online shopping growing in popularity as a preference during the pandemic.
Ben Mitchell, CFO at Yodel, upon joining the company said: “I am very excited to become formally part of the Yodel team. I look forward to working closely with our colleagues as we strive to contribute to Yodel’s future success. I have great confidence in the direction we are going as a business, and firmly believe we are in a strong position to build on our recent successes.”
Steve Garelick, GMB London Regional Officer said:
“The Companies CFO Ben Mitchell speaks of recent successes but does not seem willing to pass this on to those staff who make the magic happen. For our members there is not even enough change for the chippy.
“Our members at Yodel say they deserve financial recognition for the service and the commitment they have provided during the pandemic when they too faced contracting the virus. Delivery drivers are also front-line workers who have provided a service that has been very much in demand, helping many businesses of all sizes to stay in profit because of online sales during the pandemic.
“The rejection of the pay offer by our members at Yodel depots across the country is a clear indication that they are not happy with what has been offered.
‘’Considering Yodels recent growth in-home delivery using a network of couriers who must find their own cover, ensuring further huge income during the Pandemic, we are shocked at this derisory offer.’’
GMB calls on the management at Yodel to invite GMB back to the table to negotiate a pay offer that reflects the pressure and the commitment that our members have endured during the pandemic. As the rise in the spread of the pandemic, we now expect the continuation of the vast number of parcels requiring delivery as the public prefers to shop online.
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Contact:
Steve Garelick, GMB London Region Organiser 079 6776 3980
