'Huge disruption' predicted as UK UPS postal workers vote for strike

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/n ... al-5679246

Union leaders and international company clash over claims of bullying and health and safety issues

Around 50 workers at a parcel delivery service depot have voted to strike next week sparking fears of 'huge disruption' for customers in the county.

The UNITE union says it has spent 18 months trying to resolve issues around bullying, health and safety and dignity at work at the UPS depot at Gloucester Business Park, Hurricane Road. Gloucester.

Union leaders say they were left with no alternative but to ballot members for strike action at the delivery depot used by many small businesses.

But the international logistics company says it has taken concrete actions to address the concerns raised and have agreed a way forward.

More than 50 members of staff were balloted and members recorded a 100 per cent vote in favour of strike action, say the union.

It will start with a 24 hours strike on Friday (July 30( which will run into a week long strike between Monday August 2 and Friday August 6.

Further 24-hour strike actions are planned on August 9, 27, 31.

Strike dates have also been announced for September with a three-day strike beginning on September 1 and a 24-hour strike on September 6.

Unite national officer for logistics Matt Draper said: "Our members have been trying to resolve these issues for 18 months without success.

“No one should have to come to work under the fear of being bullied or enter a workplace that is not safe.

“Sadly UPS has consistently failed to address our members concerns and as a result workers are taking strike action as a last resort to finally get these matters resolved.

“Strike action will cause huge disruption and delays to the parcel service in Gloucester and the surrounding areas, not just on the days of the strikes but throughout the summer.

“ There is still time for this dispute to be resolved but UPS needs to come forward with meaningful proposals to resolve the problems that our members are facing in the workplace.”


On Wednesday morning (JuUnite said the strike was still going ahead despite a UPS spokesperson saying the company had taken action to resolve the issues raised and agreed a way forward.

"We strive to create a working environment that encourages our people to thrive and our business to succeed," said the spokesperson for UPS.

"We are committed to working closely with unions and our social partners to ensure this is the case.

"We have taken concrete actions to address the concerns raised and have agreed on a path forward."