DHL contract staff vote for strike action on Avanti

DHL contract staff vote for strike action on Avanti

26 May 2023

RMT Press Office:

RMT members working in catering supply for Avanti have voted to take strike action in a dispute over pay.

The workers who are employed by contractor DHL provide the catering stores for Avanti trains. 

They have not been offered a pay rise despite the cost-of-living crisis and rising inflation.

Members delivered a 97.5% 'yes' vote on a 66% turnout.

RMT have spoken with DHL to try and get a pay rise for their members but have been told no money is available with the contractor suggesting that the separate national dispute on Avanti was impacting on any possible settlement. 

Some of the over 100 members balloted are so badly paid they have asked the company for details of the Railway Benefit fund just to make ends meet. 

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "This is a fantastic ballot result for our members, and it is now time for DHL and Avanti to make an offer on pay.

"It is insulting that our members have not been offered anything despite the fact both DHL and Avanti are highly profitable.

"For bosses to try and use the separate national dispute as a reason for the pay rise not being awarded, is a poor attempt to distract from the reality in front of them.

"If a pay offer is not forthcoming, then strike action is inevitable."

 

END

 

Notes:

 

  • 64% 'yes' vote for all those eligible to vote
  • Avanti West Coast handed £13.5m to its shareholders during its latest financial year
  • DHL made 94.4 billion in revenue in 2022 and the Group exceeded its record from previous year by 15.5 percent.

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Tagged with: Avanti West Coast, Avanti, DHL, Caterers, RMT, Mick Lynch