Determined solidarity

Christmas strike action at Argos’ flagship distribution centre in Barton, Staffordshire, has been called off after UPS shunter and HGV drivers secured a pay deal worth about 4.5 per cent, Unite  said today (December 12).

More than 40 Unite members, who manoeuvre loads around the Barton distribution centre, voted overwhelmingly (90 per cent) in favour of a pay deal from UPS management, following talks with the conciliation service Acas earlier this week.

Strike action over the festive period at the distribution centre, which is near Burton on Trent, has now been called off, with back pay and the agreed increase set to be paid before Christmas.

“Our members were determined to secure a fair deal and because of their solidarity a package worth around 4.5 per cent has been secured,” said Unite regional officer Rick Coyle. “We are very pleased that disruption to Argos’ customers will now be averted and work can carry on over the Christmas period as normal. Unite looks forward to working constructively with UPS and Argos in the future.”