WORKERS at a busy depot are set to walk out in a dispute over pay and conditions. 

Employees at DHL in Bellshill will down tools in strike action after a what their union describes as an "unsuccessful" meeting with ACAS - who mediate disputes between companies and workers. 

Around 90 workers at the site which includes drivers and warehouse staff will take action during the busy festive period unless an agreement is reached.

DHL offered staff a 9% pay rise over two years which the union rejected, claiming it does not address issues with "poverty pay" experienced by many staff who on average, earn around £12.50 an hour.

It is understood DHL have also been hit by the ongoing nationwide driver shortage as hours have increased. Unite say they have "repeatedly" concerns with the increase in the working hours for logistics workers at the company.

An improved offer was made last Friday, but this was also rejected. Following a strike ballot of 95% of those eligible, 88% voted in favour of strike action.

Unite is set to meet with DHL bosses again tomorrow in a bid to reach an agreement.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “DHL are treating our members like second class citizens in the logistics industry.

"The company is well behind the curve on wage levels so they need to bring forward a new offer and quickly or our members will be taking strike action hitting the festive period.

"Unite is determined to defend the jobs, pay and conditions of our members and will do so at DHL and elsewhere.”

Debbie Hutchings, Unite industrial officer, added: “With all the improvements being seen across logistics sites outside and also within the DHL group itself, the Bellshill site has not approached pay negotiations in line with industry.

"The reality is that they are dragging the company wheels in this dispute. The current wage offer does nothing to address the poverty pay experienced by the majority of drivers on the site, where hourly rates are far lower than other companies in the industry.”

“Let’s remember that logistic drivers are in short supply across the nation. DHL must put forward a new improved offer and strike action will only be postponed when the management get on the same page as everyone else in the industry.”

A spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said: “Despite constructive talks last week with Unite at Acas, we are disappointed that the union has rejected our improved pay offer and is pressing ahead with industrial action at our Bellshill site.

"Further talks are scheduled for tomorrow where we hope to reach a satisfactory outcome for all parties, but contingency plans have now been drawn up to minimise the disruption should the action go ahead."