Labour is being urged to support delivery workers who were fired for speaking out against DPD’s proposed pay cuts, according to a former Cabinet minister. Louise Haigh criticized the treatment of these workers by the delivery company, which informed self-employed drivers of a reduction in delivery rates. The drivers claimed this could result in a loss of approximately £6,000 per year for each of them – potentially up to £8,000 for those handling additional deliveries during the Christmas period. Haigh, the former Transport Secretary, has called on the Government to oppose the exploitation of workers.
In response to the situation, Haigh stated, “DPD’s actions in penalizing vulnerable workers for defending their promised terms are unacceptable and should not go unchallenged. A Labour government must ensure strong support for those facing exploitation.” Following the pay cut announcement, many drivers staged a three-day protest by refusing to carry out deliveries. Subsequently, DPD terminated contracts of drivers who spoke out against the company’s treatment.
Dean Hawkins, a spokesperson for the affected DPD drivers, emphasized the need for more government support for workers in similar situations. He highlighted the essential role delivery drivers played in keeping the country and businesses operational during the pandemic. Labour peer Lord John Hendy has also called for modifications to the Employment Rights Bill to safeguard drivers like those dismissed by DPD.
Hendy stressed the necessity of protecting workers from repercussions for voicing concerns about detrimental changes to their terms and conditions. He emphasized that penalizing workers in such a manner should be deemed unlawful. While a Department for Business and Trade spokesperson emphasized the importance of companies treating their employees with respect, DPD defended its actions by stating its right to terminate contracts in cases where suppliers breach agreements.
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