GXO Logistics faces a significant challenge as its employees prepare for a 15-day strike over pay disputes.
- Over 100 Unite members claim ‘alarmingly low pay’ as the cause of the protest against GXO Logistics.
- Scheduled from 20 May to 7 June, the strike impacts key operations in Feltham, London.
- Unite alleges GXO pays below living wage despite substantial revenue.
- GXO counters that it has made fair offers, contending strike effects will be minimal.
GXO Logistics is facing an imminent operational challenge as over 100 of its workers, represented by Unite, prepare for a 15-day strike in protest of what they describe as ‘alarmingly low pay’. This industrial action is set to take place from 20th May to 7th June at the GXO Feltham site in the London borough of Hounslow, potentially disrupting food and drink deliveries significantly.
The crux of the dispute lies in the claims by Unite that the current pay rates are well below acceptable standards. Specifically, warehouse workers earn just over £12 per hour, and delivery drivers are paid significantly below market rates. Unite has emphasised that despite GXO’s substantial revenue generation of over £7 billion last year, the company has not offered pay that matches the London living wage.
Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, strongly criticised GXO’s pay practices, stating: “It’s disgraceful that a multi-billion-pound company is paying its workers below the living wage. This is a company that can fully afford to pay its workers fairly and decently but has chosen not to out of sheer greed.” Unite’s commitment to its members is unwavering, pledging full support during this industrial struggle.
Lui D’Cunha, regional officer for Unite, added weight to the union’s stance, noting that the onus of the potential strike disruption rests entirely with GXO management. The union argues that despite numerous opportunities, GXO has failed to present an acceptable pay offer to its workforce.
In response, GXO has refuted these allegations, insisting it has extended an enhanced pay offer to its employees during ongoing negotiations with ACAS and Unite. A spokesperson for GXO expressed disappointment that this offer was not communicated to staff and conveyed confidence in mitigating any impact from the strike, underlining their commitment to reaching a resolution.
The unfolding situation at GXO Logistics highlights a complex pay dispute with significant operational implications.
