Drivers at a Sainsbury's regional distribution centre in Dartford, Kent have won their fight for higher pay after a strike vote in August.

The 200 drivers are members of the Unite union and their dispute was with their employer DHL, which is contracted by Sainsbury’s to deliver its goods - in the midst of an ongoing HGV driver shortage on the run up to Christmas.

The drivers have won a 6.2 per cent pay rise, which equates to at least £2,200 a year extra, according to their union.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “By standing firm and rejecting DHL’s initial offer of just 1 per cent, Unite’s DHL members at Sainsbury’s Dartford distribution centre secured a pay deal that reflects their worth.

“As a union, Unite is wholly dedicated to bettering members’ jobs, pay and conditions, either through negotiations or industrial action if necessary.”

The drivers voted by 90 per cent to accept the pay offer. So far, DHL has not commented on the settlement.

A number of supermarkets have offered four-figure bonuses for new HGV recruits. The UK is said to have a shortfall of at least 100,000 lorry drivers.

Share Story: