As we reported last week, lorry drivers who are thought to be responsible for the transport of 40% of the beer in the UK were due to strike for one week as of tomorrow.
However, the drivers' trade union, Unite, has now called off the strike having received an offer of a 4% wage increase.
Unite national officer for food, drink and agriculture, Joe Clarke, has described the offer as a “fair pay rise”:
“Our members keep the nation’s beer pumps flowing and pint glasses filled, and they deserve a fair pay rise. We believe GXO’s offer of 4 per cent delivers this and will be recommending that our members accept the deal. All industrial action has been suspended while we conduct this democratic process. We had a very strong mandate for industrial action and Unite is pleased the company have recognised the need for this offer.”
The drivers shall now be balloted on the offer and must choose whether to accept the 4% rise by the end of the month.
Meanwhile, the independent drivers' ‘stay at home' strike is due to take place today. However, it is very difficult to estimate how many people are actually taking part.
The Facebook Group in which the action is being organised has around 4,000 members, but it is tough to identify just how many are downing tools today. Moreover, some of the drivers who are staying home have admitted they are doing so by taking a day off than actually striking.
On the other hand, the organisers of the 24-hour strike are already planning to repeat their action in November, when it is hoped more drivers shall participate.
The Facebook Group administrator announced the strike earlier today using the following statement:
Good morning truckers.
We made it. So next action is 05 Nov 21. It’s Bonfire Night.
So take your kids out and enjoy a family day or just meet up with your mates and check out some fireworks.
During the day, so people can see we are ramping up action, We want to see banners over motorway bridges between 11 00 and 1400. So, if you can start thinking about that as well, that would be great. United together we can and will bring about change for Transport Workers.
Those of you who have taken a day off. Don’t expect to see empty roads. Today, there will be plenty of trucks on the road. The group has only grown to just over 4000. There are 5 million tonnes of goods on the road every day. Just remember, for every one that hasn’t reached its destination, today will have had an effect. Ripples can turn into huge waves.
Spread the word, share the, “Driver Charter”, and let’s grow the group. Have a great day.
Guy Fawkes had the right idea.
Stay Home
05 Nov 21
Provided that enough people take part, the strike would almost certainly cause disruption as it comes in the period building up to Black Friday and Christmas.
However, given that today’s strike appears to have attracted a relatively small number of truckers, doubts remain as to how different it will be in late-autumn.
© Copyright Bob Harvey and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.