Union warns Fareham depot workers could take action over sacked drivers

GMB Union said 20 drivers were sacked at DHL/UK Mail in a dispute over pay.

Now union members at all depots in the business, including one in Fareham, are considering taking action.

The union yesterday said that drivers at depots were told to sign a document accepting a four per cent pay cut – a loss of around £2,000 a year.

If they refused, they were then told they ‘would no longer be required,’ the union said in a statement.

Mick Rix, GMB national officer transport and distribution, said: ‘I have never known drivers to be so angry and upset at a company.’

He said the company needed to have a ‘serious rethink’ and had shown ‘appalling treatment’ to the drivers.

He said: ‘We have written to DHL/UK Mail demanding an urgent meeting. If they don’t respond and meet with us, our campaign for justice for GMB drivers at this company will go to another level.’

A UK Mail spokeswoman said it had to keep prices competitive for its customers.

She said: ‘Due to the booming e-commerce business and the significant increase of parcel volumes handled by UK Mail, we review the earnings of our self-employed drivers on a regular basis.

‘This is essential to ensure we are able to offer our customers the competitive prices they demand.

‘While we are confident that due to the increase in volumes our couriers are carrying, they will continue to see average earnings increase. A small number of drivers have opted not to renew their contracts under the new terms.’