Thousands of couriers working for Evri are set to be balloted on a pay offer, with the GMB Union recommending they reject the proposal.
More than 6,000 drivers will vote on the deal, which dates back to 2025 and could result in a pay reduction for many workers, according to the union.
The ballot opens on May 6 and will run until June 9. GMB, which has had a recognition agreement with Evri since 2019, said this is the first time it has advised members to reject a pay offer from the company. If couriers vote against the proposal, the union said it will meet with members to determine the next steps.
Nicola Savage, GMB national officer, said, “Evri couriers do an unbelievable job, delivering millions of packages across the UK with incredible speed – often facing abuse and even attacks while doing it.
“It’s only right they get a pay rise that values the work they do. Not only is this pay offer a year late, but in our view it falls short of what couriers deserve.
“That’s why GMB has recommended reject – but ultimately the couriers themselves will decide in this ballot.”
An Evri spokesperson said the company was “surprised” by the union’s reaction to the latest pay ballot, adding that “it does not reflect the conversations or discussions we have held in recent months and weeks.”
They added, “Our dedicated community couriers are at the heart of our business, and this pay offer is a multimillion-pound investment from Evri into the pay of GMB Evri Plus members.
“If successful, the deal provides thousands of GMB Evri Plus members with guaranteed minimum equivalent hourly rates (MEHR) above the national living wage, additional bonus payments and rate protection through to at least April 2027.
“This deal exceeds recent pay offers announced by many recognized UK businesses. For our GMB Evri Plus couriers it guarantees a minimum equivalent hourly rate of £14 [US$19] (£14.80 [US420.15] in London) plus expenses on top, with average courier earnings significantly more.
“Furthermore, over 70% of our eligible GMB Evri Plus members would receive an additional annual bonus payment of up to £875 [US$1,191], adding to our existing comprehensive benefits package including paid holiday, pension contributions and parental leave.”
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