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10 minutes ago Dan Hall North East and Cumbria Getty Images Lorry drivers are set to host a series of walkouts in October and November NHS supply lorry drivers are set for a series of strikes in a dispute over pay. Drivers employed by GXO in Tyne and Wear, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Kent, Warwickshire and Suffolk will stage five walkouts from October 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 and November 3-5 and 10-12, Unite said. Union members have rejected a 4% pay offer from GXO, which runs the NHS supply chain contract for Supply Chain Coordination Limited (SCCL), and is wholly owned by NHS England.
Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: "There is still time for strike action to be avoided but that will require a deal our members can accept." GXO said it had "robust contingency plans" in place to minimise disruption. NHS England and NHS Supply Chain have been approached for comment. Drivers deliver general equipment such as bandages, dressings, gowns, gloves and needles to hospitals across England.
Silkstone described them as "dedicated workers" and said GXO had refused to put forward a reasonable offer. GXO said it was disappointed Unite members had voted in favour of industrial action and it believed the pay offer was fair. A spokesperson said: "Patient care remains of paramount importance, and we remain focused on providing a safe and effective operation throughout this period." Depots where strike action is due to take place are in Alfreton in Derbyshire, Bridgwater in Somerset, Normanton in West Yorkshire, Maidstone in Kent, Rugby in Warwickshire, Bury St Edmonds in Suffolk and Washington in Tyne and Wear.
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Source: BBC
