Usdaw secures 18.5 % pay rise over two years and fewer hours for 1,200 workers

A ground-breaking deal was reached today which will see 1,200 drivers receive an 18.5 per cent pay rise over two-and-a-half years, coupled with a huge reduction in working hours.

Lengthy negotiations between trade union officials and management at ACC Transport, which is part of The Co-operative Group, were concluded today.

The deal is the first to be struck as part of legal changes that will compel employers to limit the number of hours drivers can work in any one week to 48. The new maximum hours are part of the Road Transport Working Time Directive, to be introduced in 2005.

Management at ACC Transport were willing to discuss changes with union officials at Usdaw well ahead of time. The result is today's deal that sees drivers' pay increase considerably and hours reduce from the current average of 60 hours to a maximum of 48.

ACC Transport distributes goods to Co-operative stores all over the UK. Its distribution depots include bases in Tyne & Wear, Co. Durham, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Strathclyde, West Midlands, Lanarkshire, Nottinghamshire, Peterborough and Northern Ireland.

Usdaw National Officer Sharon Ainsworth, who led Usdaw's talks with management, said: "The company has shown incredible foresight and should be congratulated.

"This agreement is the first of its kind and is incredibly proactive. It will bring significant benefits and improved working conditions for our members.

"The Road Transport Working Time Directive will revolutionise the distribution sector. This deal should become a blueprint for future negotiations with companies required to change working practices in order to come in line with the legal requirements.

"Credit must also be given to Usdaw Area Organiser George Cain and reps Brian Loughead, Clive Phillips and Kevin Sullivan, who have played a key role in ensuring this deal was reached during seven months of negotiations."

Notes to newsdesks:

• With over 325,000 members, Usdaw is the fifth largest trade union in the UK.

• Location details of ACC Transport depots can be obtained from Kevin Hegarty, Media Officer on 0161-249 2443.

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