"DHL workers set to strike at Bellshill", 17 November 2021

Unite Scotland has announced that, following an unsuccessful meeting with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), around 90 DHL drivers and warehouse workers based in Bellshill will take strike action in a dispute over pay and working conditions.

An initial offer of 9% over two years was rejected because it does not address the ‘poverty pay’ experienced by the majority of the workers who earn £12.50 an hour on average.

Following talks with ACAS...an improved offer was made to the DHL drivers and warehouse workers, but this was also rejected. A union ballot showed 88% voting to reject the offer, with a turnout of 95%...

Members are also in dispute with DHL over the failure to look at improving the working hours of drivers, as well as their wider terms and conditions...

Unite industrial officer Debbie Hutchings added: ...“The current wage offer does nothing to address the poverty pay experienced by the majority of drivers on the site, where hourly rates are far lower than other companies in the industry...

A spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said: “Despite constructive talks last week with Unite at ACAS, we are disappointed that the union has rejected our improved pay offer and is pressing ahead with industrial action at our Bellshill site.

“Further talks are scheduled for tomorrow where we hope to reach a satisfactory outcome for all parties, but contingency plans have now been drawn up to minimise the disruption should the action go ahead.”