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Suckling drivers vote whether to strike in pay parity dispute
Page 14
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Despite the "deep frustration" over a £2,000 pay disparity, Suckling's MD is still hopeful of a resolution to the dispute. David Harris reports.
ABOUT 50 drivers at Suckling Transport are being balloted this week on whether to take strike action because they are not paid as much as other drivers who deliver for Conoco fuels.
The ballot has been organised by the Transport and General Workers Union (T&G), which says it has been trying to resolve the dispute for some time.
T&G national secretary Ron Webb says that the strike threat is the result of "deep frustration" at not being able to resolve the issue over the past year.
-No one can accuse our members of rushing to the barricades on this issue because they have shown extreme patience," he adds. "But we're talking of differences in pay of around £2,000 with drivers delivering for the same firm on another contract," Webb reports that the union had already offered "the olive branch of delivering parity over a twoyear period" but he says that this had been rejected.
Suckling Transport's managing director, Peter Lamer, says he still hopes the dispute can be resolved. He adds: "Suckling Transport is in pay negotiations and has been asked to consider a claim for parity with employees from another company.
-It isnot unusual for suppliers to the same company to offer their employees different terms and conditions of employment," says Suckling."Even the other groupof drivers that our employees are seeking parity with has different rates of pay within it. Suckling Transport values its employees and has requested independent arbitration through Acas.We remain hopeful of finding a resolution." The T&G says all votes for the strike ballot must be in by tomorrow (Friday 16 February).