Wincanton drivers prepare for action
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by Amanda Bradbury • About 250 drivers at three Wincanton depots are threatening to ballot on industrial action if the company goes ahead with plans to slash wages.
Talks are taking place today (Thursday) between union officials and management following the drivers' rejection of pay cut proposals by a 207 to 10 majority.
Wincanton's proposed changes in the bonus scheme known as 'standards' would cut the total pay of all drivers working in Wincanton's chilled foods distribution division by 12.5% or £35 a week, says the Transport and General Workers Union, Hardest hit would be 12 Middlebrook mushroom drivers who would lose on average £70 a week or 20%. One driver would lose 4105 a week.
According to TGWU officials if the talks fail a ballot of the drivers who work out of Uttoxeter, Chippenham and Milton Keynes will take place within two weeks with industrial action starting within a month.
The company has been operating a pay freeze since June.
Wincanton refused to comment specifically on industrial relations at the three depots, hut admits that pressure on rates and volumes is a factor in its pay negotations.
Wincanton last week announced an increase in profits of nearly £3.5m for the half year to £10.9m: it admits the improvement is mainly due to last February's acquisition of Glass Glover and resultant cost savings in areas of overlap.
The company says a 30% improvement over six months means the amount spent on new vehicles, staff and infrastructure in the past financial year can be maintained for the full year.