More than 250 HGV drivers at UK independent carrier Yodel have voted to strike over pay and conditions.
The GMB union representing the drivers said that 98% of drivers voted for the strike on a turnout of 84%.
Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer, said, “GMB drivers working for parcel delivery giant Yodel have returned a massive vote in favor of taking industrial action over pay and working conditions.
“With acute labour shortages across a range of sectors, the time for working people to organise and take action to improve their lot is right now. GMB members working for Yodel will immediately be agreeing dates for their first round of strikes, and with the majority of Yodel’s drivers voting to walk out, parcel deliveries will be significantly hit.
“We urge any drivers not yet organised into a union to follow the example set by Yodel’s drivers – join the GMB, get organised and fight for what you’re worth.”
Amongst the issues raised by the drivers are work/life balance, agency drivers being paid more than employed drivers and an accumulation of outstanding annual leave payments. They also voted to strike over pay, which they feel has not been increased sufficiently to stop drivers leaving the company for better paid work with other companies.
Commenting at the time of the original ballot announcement, a Yodel spokesperson had said, “We are disappointed by the GMB’s ballot plans having been proactive in conversations with the union for a number of weeks. We will continue to work with our union colleagues in good faith and are committed to further discussions to resolve any remaining matters.”