HGV drivers secure milestone pay deal

Lorry drivers based in the West Midlands and Lincolnshire are set to maintain their earning levels for working less hours in a ground-breaking pay deal confirmed yesterday.

An agreement negotiated between trade union Usdaw and A F Blakemore & Son Ltd is one of the first in the country linked to the Road Transport Working Time Directive . Around 100 drivers at A F Blakemore's depots in Willenhall and Grimsby will benefit from the deal.

The European Directive, to be introduced in March 2005, will limit the number of hours drivers can work in any one week. The A F Blakemore drivers must reduce their current 57-hour working week to 48 - but this deal means they will not lose out financially.

The hourly pay rate will rise by around 27 per cent from 1st February 2004, which means the drivers get a substantial pay rise in the short term. In addition, the company has agreed to increase the drivers' holiday entitlement from 25 days to 30 days per year.

In a ballot, the drivers, almost all of whom are members of Usdaw, voted three-to-one in favour of the deal. A F Blakemore distributes to more than 750 Spar stores across the country.

Usdaw Area Organiser Greg Vogiatzis, part of the negotiating team, said: "This agreement is one of the first of its kind. A F Blakemore deserves to be praised for taking a proactive approach to a European Directive that will undoubtedly revolutionise the distribution sector. This agreement will bring significant benefits and improved conditions for our members."

A F Blakemore's transport manager, Jason Dibble, said: "The scheme will bring A F Blakemore in line with European legislation and reduce drivers' hours, with no significant loss of earning potential. Holiday entitlement will also rise to 30 days. If work is available, drivers may work a further 10 days for extra money. All this will have financial implications for the company, but we believe the advantages outweigh the negatives. The deal makes the company highly competitive in the West Midlands and Grimsby, allowing us to attract top-class drivers and reduce the number of agency staff on our books."

Usdaw is currently working with several distribution companies on deals related to the Road Transport Working Time Directive. In November 2003, the trade union struck a deal with ACC Transport, part of the Co-operative Group, to increase drivers' pay and reduce their working hours.

• Usdaw is the UK's fifth largest trade union with over 330,000 members. More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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