Strike threat is lifted
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• The threat of a strike at Parcelforce has been lifted with union leaders recommending acceptance of an improved offer comprising 4.2% on wages with a lump sum of £165.
The offer will now be put to a ballot among the Union of Communication Worker's 11,000 Parcelforce members; a result is expected by 26 November. If it is accepted Parcelforce drivers will receive the £165 before Christmas and the wage rise in January.
The 4.2% increase will bring the drivers' basic rate up to £189 a week. Their wages used to be boosted by overtime, but this is much rarer now.
The one-year deal will be reviewed next July. It supersedes a previous offer of £150 to be paid in December with 4% on wages. A further lump sum of £60 would have been paid in June if the union accepted an 18-month deal. Parcelforce originally called for a one-year wage freeze after revealing losses of £75m.
"It's a fair offer in the circumstances," says the UCW. "The union has noted the trading difficulties experienced by Parcelforce."