Yodel has seen fit to pick a fight with its loyal workforce in the midst of a chronic, nationwide driver shortage
A strike ballot of Yodel lorry drivers begins today with the delivery giant facing a complete network standstill.
More than 250 Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers will vote on whether to take industrial action over pay and conditions.
The strike ballot closes on September 15 – meaning industrial action could take place during Yodel's busiest 'peak' period in the lead up to Christmas.
The drivers are angry over their work life balance, the fact agency workers are paid more than directly employed drivers, annual leave payments that remain outstanding, a failure to offer substantial pay enhancements to stem the tide of drivers leaving the business for better paid jobs elsewhere and a failure to honour contractual agreements around pay for holiday and sick leave.
GMB has engaged in weeks of negotiations with the company who have so far failed to act quickly enough to settle the drivers demands or engage with the union on discussions around pay.
Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said:
"Yodel has seen fit to pick a fight with its loyal workforce in the midst of a chronic, nationwide driver shortage.
“What on earth are they thinking?
“Yodel has consistently ignored the agreements they have with their drivers. Instead of antagonising them Yodel should be moving heaven and earth to keep them on side.
“GMB has tried for many months to settle this dispute, but the Yodel top brass don’t want to listen.
Time again drivers’ demands have fallen on deaf ears.
“Our members keep Yodel delivering parcels up and down the country. They know what they are worth and won’t back down until Yodel meet their reasonable demands.”
