Drivers employed by Wincanton in the South West balloted for strikes over low pay

Over 100 lorry drivers who deliver for Sainsburys are being balloted on strike action that would see shelves around Bristol and the South West empty this Christmas.

Drivers employed by Wincanton on the Sainsburys contract have been in talks since March but have failed to receive an adequate pay offer from their employer. The most recent offer was four per cent but that still leaves them earning 14 per cent less than colleagues doing the same job at the Basingstoke depot.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Wincanton’s drivers are simply seeking pay parity with colleagues at the same company doing the same job. That Wincanton thinks this is unreasonable speak volumes about its disdain for its workforce.”

Unite members are also demanding a 30 minute paid break, time and half pay when they are forced to work on rest days and paid banked hours also paid at time and a half. Despite their pay anniversary being in July, Wincanton has dragged its feet over a reasonable offer.

The ballot is open and runs until 4 November. A mandate for industrial action could see strikes crippling deliveries to Sainsburys stores across November and December.

Unite regional officer Shevaun Hunt said: "Sainsburys customers could see empty shelves in the South West this Christmas if the employer doesn't come back to the table with a fair offer.

"Members have been attempting to have a dialogue with Wincanton since March but have now reached the end of their tether. They do a difficult job driving in all weathers, day and night, to get food and drink onto supermarket shelves. They just want a fair pay increase in line with their Hampshire colleagues."