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25.4.22
Introducing Scania go BABY DRIVERS: Felixstowe-based VKVP Haulage has taken a truck to a local school to encourage pupils to consider a career in the transport and logistics sector. The visit to Langer Primary allowed youngsters to get up close to an HGV. Operations director Mark Bennett said: “Some students might fancy a life behind the wheel, but other roles such as planners, IT and compliance specialists, warehouse staff, administrators, accountants or technicians might be more appealing.” The latest ONS research revealed that at the end of 2021, the number of HGV delivery drivers remained 39,000 below the pre-pandemic level of 301,000.
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Strike action likely over JCB parts contract, but pay hikes for Tradeteam and Supply Chain staff
Mixed fortunes for DHL drivers
By Chris Tindall
DHL drivers working on the JCB parts contract voted 95% in favour of strike action after their union accused the company of implementing a real-terms pay cut. The workers, who deliver JCB parts between factories across the UK, are now set for a full ballot at the end of the month. The GMB union said DHL was trying to impose a 5% pay award, despite inflation running at more than 8%. Stuart Harrison, GMB organiser, said: “This result sends a clear message to both JCB and DHL; drivers have had enough with not being listened to. We face a crushing cost-of-living crisis – they deserve more than a pay cut. GMB will now move to a formal industrial action ballot.” DHL Supply Chain said it was disappointed with the union’s action: “We look forward to further talks to reach a satisfactory outcome for both parties, but
contingency plans are being drawn up and every effort will be made to minimise disruption to services, should the industrial action go ahead,” said a spokeswoman. However, some DHL drivers in England and Scotland are celebrating after negotiating significant pay deals with their employer. More than 100 HGV drivers working for DHL Tradeteam in Burton-on-Trent voted in favour of an improved pay offer, worth
up to £6,000 a year and including a pay increase worth 7.5%, which typically raises pay by £2,750 according to the Unite union. It said the negotiated deal also means drivers now have the right to refuse any route that takes more than 11.5 hours, including rest time and breaks. Those accepting longer routes will receive a new premium rate, which will see many drivers earn up to £3,000 per year without having to work extra hours, based
on their annualised hours contract. Meanwhile, DHL Supply Chain in Aberdeen has agreed a 13% pay increase over two years for around 30 drivers. The deal also means DHL Aberdeen will recognise Unite for collective bargaining and negotiation in the future.
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