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 has strongly criticized the delivery company for its treatment of the workers who were informed of a reduction in their delivery rates. The drivers estimated that this move could result in a loss of around £6,000 annually for each of them, reaching up to £8,000 for those handling additional deliveries during the festive season.
Former Transport Secretary Ms. Haigh has called on the Government to oppose the exploitation of workers, emphasizing that DPD’s actions penalizing vulnerable workers for defending their promised terms are unacceptable. She stressed the need for a Labour government to stand firmly against exploitative practices to protect the powerless.
Following the pay cut announcement, many drivers staged a three-day protest by refusing to make deliveries. Consequently, DPD terminated the contracts of drivers who had spoken out against the company’s treatment.
Dean Hawkins, the spokesperson for the affected DPD drivers, emphasized the importance of government support for workers facing similar challenges. He highlighted the crucial role delivery drivers played in sustaining the country and businesses during the pandemic.
Labour peer Lord John Hendy has called for amendments to the Employment Rights Bill to safeguard drivers like those dismissed by DPD. He argued that penalizing workers for opposing detrimental changes to their terms and conditions is unjust and should be legally prohibited.
Regarding the situation, a Department for Business and Trade spokesperson emphasized the importance of companies treating their employees with respect and fulfilling their responsibilities as ethical employers. DPD, in response, stated that while they do not terminate supplier contracts lightly, they reserve the right to act in cases where suppliers are deemed to harm the company’s interests or reputation and breach their contractual obligations.