Dock drivers dispute

The delivery of Volkswagen Group vehicles, which include models from Audi, Porsche and Skoda, could face serious disruption if a Kent-based logistics firm refuses to end a pay freeze for its drivers, Unite said today (14 November).

Drivers at logistics firm GB Terminals (Southern) Ltd based at Sheerness docks, Kent, are being balloted for strike action after the company’s management walked out of pay negotiations.

Unite represents the drivers and other workers who move new Volkswagen Group vehicles off ferries arriving in Sheerness and process and park them ready to be picked up by car transporters.

The drivers are being balloted after pay negotiations collapsed with no offer from the company, warning that strike action will disrupt the supply of new Volkswagen Group vehicles into the UK.

The drivers have asked for a three per cent pay increase in line with inflation, however GB Terminals (Southern) Ltd, which is part of the GBA group, have sought to impose a pay freeze.

GB Terminals has also refused an offer by Unite to involve the conciliation service Acas, which has resulted in members being balloted for strike action.

Unite regional officer Philip Silkstone said, “Strike action by our members will seriously delay and disrupt the movement of Volkswagen Group vehicles between Sheerness and dealerships throughout the UK.

“It will also effect the distribution of new plate Volkswagen Group vehicles due to come out in March 2020. Moreover, Volkswagen will not be happy to learn that GB Terminals’ management have refused an offer of talks to resolve the dispute through the conciliation service Acas.

“Our members are only asking for a fair pay rise in line with inflation. It beggars belief that GB Terminals are petulantly refusing to engage in any form of talks over the issue.

“Unite hopes that GB Terminal’s management will see sense and return to negotiations before the dispute escalates.”