Overtime ban at United Carriers
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by Miles Brignall • More than 1,400 drivers and depot staff at troubled parcels firm United Carriers are calling an overtime ban following the company's refusal to offer a wage increase.
The dispute is the latest action in what is turning into a discontented summer. Drivers at BRS Scotland are threatening a strike over a pay offer short of inflation; and sub-contractors with Redland Readymix are threatening action over changes to their contracts.
Transport & General Workers Union stewards decided to implement the United Carriers ban after workers voted in a postal ballot for action short of a strike. It will start on 12 June. T&G acting national transport officer Hugh Lowry says the company has not responded to calls for a meeting, but he remains 'hopeflu the matter can be resolved".
A ballot of 140 United Road Transport Union staff failed to get the two-thirds majority needed for strike action.
Recently appointed group managing director John Toyne predicts that the overtime ban will have no effect on service to customers. "We are in a difficult financial position and there is simply no extra money to fund a wage increase," he says. "Most workers recognise the need for restraint and those taking action represent a tiny minority."