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Willman faces driver strike ballot over pay
Page 107
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• by Jim Abbott Angry workers at Wincanton say they are ready to strike after last week's pay talks ended in bitter words.
Drivers vowed to reject the offer of a £13.44-a-week rise even though a full-time Transport and General Workers' Union official recommended it. Instead they plan to hold out for between .220 and .225.
The dispute has been brewing since September with the drivers saying Wincanton management had promised a pay increase but have been dragging their feet. "There are a lot of knives being put into the backs of drivers over this," says one worker. "We are calling for industrial action. It's not just about pay, it's about health and safety issues too."
Another Wincanton driver says: "It's not fair to blame the official. He feels he got the best deal he could, but the members will tell him that it's nowhere near good enough."
A postal ballot will determine the outcome but many drivers are predicting a walk-out.
The result is due next week and a third driver says: "Early signs suggest it will be rejected with contempt.
"Unless the company comes to its senses strike action will be unavoidable," he adds.