Lockwood Haulage Forklift Drivers Secure Union Recognition Amid Strike Action

Strategic Insights -

Forklift drivers employed by Lockwood Haulage at the Ardagh Glass contract in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, have secured formal union recognition after taking strike action in July. The drivers, who were formerly employed by GXO, won union recognition for areas such as health and safety, pay negotiations, and disciplinary hearings. The recognition agreement, signed by Lockwood Haulage, marks a significant win for the workers and their union, Unite. General secretary Sharon Graham praised the drivers for their solidarity and dedication to improving their working lives and wages.

Key Takeaways:

  • The forklift drivers, employed by Lockwood Haulage, took strike action in July to gain union recognition.
  • After several weeks of industrial action, the drivers secured formal union recognition for areas such as health and safety, pay negotiations, and disciplinary hearings.
  • The recognition agreement was signed by Lockwood Haulage, marking a significant win for the workers and their union, Unite.
  • The drivers, previously employed by GXO, had a longstanding recognition agreement with Unite, which Lockwood Haulage has now agreed to replicate.
  • Unite regional officer Phil Boyes thanked Ardagh Glass management for their patience during the dispute.
  • The win is seen as an example of the importance of joining a union and organizing colleagues to improve working lives and wages.
  • Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, hailed the drivers for their solidarity and dedication to improving their working lives and wages.

Statistics:

  • The forklift drivers were employed by GXO before transferring to Lockwood Haulage in March 2023.
  • The drivers took strike action in July 2023 to gain union recognition.
  • The recognition agreement was signed by Lockwood Haulage in July 2023.
  • Unite general secretary Sharon Graham praised the drivers for taking strike action to secure better working conditions and wages.

Sources:

  • Yorkshire Evening Post, "Lockwood Haulage, Knottingley forklift drivers to strike over union recognition" (https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/business/lockwood-haulage-knottingley-forklift-drivers-to-strike-5224650)