Home Bargains workers win ‘top’ pay deal

UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 17, 2019 /

Hundreds of drivers working for the Liverpool based Home Bargains are in line for an 11.4 per cent pay increase thanks to Unite, Britain and Ireland’s biggest union.

The drivers and shunters reached the deal after months of negotiations between the union and management.

The deal was agreed after management proposed changes to the workers’ shift and payment schedule. In return for accepting the new terms and conditions, Unite’s representatives negotiated an hourly rise from £15.85 to £17.67 over two years which has now been overwhelmingly supported by the workforce.

Unite regional officer Steve Gerrard said: “Drivers at Home Bargains have secured a significant pay increase which means their annual salary will reach £36,278 as a result of the deal.

“We believe this is an industry leading pay deal, which rewards our members for their hard work. It comes at a time when other retailers have demonstrated the greed ethos which has resulted in terms and conditions being slashed in other areas of the retail sector.

“Home Bargains is a very successful and well known high street chain. When it approached the workers to change their terms and conditions we negotiated a deal which worked for the staff and recognised the contribution they make to the effective operation of this huge network of stores.

“It shows that workers can win during periods of change and uncertainty when they are part of a strong union.”

Home Bargains is the trading name of TJ Morris Ltd, a well-known chain of over 500 discount stores across the UK. The drivers are responsible for the delivery of goods from Home Bargains warehouses to the company’s UK wide network of stores.

The company and the union have a good working relationship and work collaboratively in order to achieve the best for all concerned.