DPD drivers take action in row over payments


Several drivers told the BBC they were given only a few hours notice before the cut came into effect in late September.

DPD said it had “adjusted some of our rates to reflect changes in our parcel traffic profile”.

It said driver stops which include only smaller parcels would see a reduction of 65p.

Stops which include larger parcels, or high-value or pharmaceutical parcels would see no change, DPD said, while heavier deliveries would get an extra 65p.

The company also said it had introduced new incentive payments, “designed to increase earnings all year round”.

“As a result, we believe our driver remuneration package remains among the best in our industry,” it said.

But one driver said the changes would cut his income by about £25 a day, or around £6,500 a year, which would make it “difficult” for him to manage his household costs.

Another driver said that even with the increased rate for larger parcels, there is “no way” he could make up the losses resulting from the 65p cut.

“We just don’t get that many larger parcels to make up for the loss resulting from the rate cut in smaller parcels,” he told the BBC.

“And even if we did take on more larger parcels, we would have to work longer and do more stops just to earn the same amount as before the cut.”

The drivers taking part in the action will refuse to deliver parcels on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.

DPD said: “We acknowledge that some drivers have raised concerns regarding the new arrangements, and these are being addressed.

“However, a small number of drivers at various depots have chosen not to operate today. We do not expect this to have a significant impact on our service.”


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