[D]rivers have launched a campaign for trade union recognition at Eddie Stobart Ltd at Carlisle, Lillyhall and Penrith depots in Cumbria, in their fight for fair pay.
There is anger and frustration that the company is paying some of its drivers just £8.68 an hour which is below the Living Wage Foundation’s recommendation of £8.75. Growing numbers of drivers are joining Unite and calling on their employer Eddie Stobart to officially recognise the union.
Given the recent extreme weather and treacherous driving conditions, workers are becoming increasingly angry that their professionalism is not being recognised.
Unite regional officer, Malcolm Carruthers said: “It’s wrong that this well renowned company is paying some of its drivers just £8.68. This is below what the Living Wage Foundation recommends is the minimum people need to get by.
“The recent driving conditions in the cold and ice have been treacherous, yet the professionalism of the drivers isn’t being recognised or rewarded.
“That’s just one of the many reasons why growing numbers of Eddie Stobart drivers are calling for union recognition. It’s time for Eddie Stobart to come in from the cold and listen to its drivers’ demands for full trade union rights.”
Unite lodged an application with the Central Arbitration Committee, the body responsible for overseeing claims for union recognition, marking the start the official process for demanding trade union recognition for 140 LGV drivers working for Eddie Stobart Ltd at three depots in Cumbria.
Unite is a union that campaigns for and delivers better pay and conditions for its members. Unite is winning at work based on three core values. Secure Work: fighting for jobs and job security, Strong Voice: a union which is a respected voice at work and Decent Pay: a union focussed on pay and conditions.
