Workers at warehouses supplying Iceland secure pay rise after multiple strikes

Workers at the cold food storage facilities, which are operated by logistics contractor GXO on behalf of supermarket chain Iceland, will receive a pay rise of 6% on their basic pay, in addition to associated increases in overtime and unsocial pay which have been backdated to 1 March 2023.

Employees are also set to receive a further increase of 5.3% on basic pay, overtime and unsocial shift pay backdated to 1 Jan 2024.

Incentives for working in the freezer section of the warehouses, the chiller section and the ambient section have also been increased, with staff that are willing to work flexibly at the different storage sites in Swindon set to receive a pay boost.

Unite, which represents almost 150 workers across two GXO warehouses in Wiltshire, also ensured that backdated pay will be paid at the earliest opportunity.

The pay deal followed strike action that took place both before and after Christmas​​, as well as the pressure applied to Iceland to bring GXO back to the negotiating table.

Commenting on the outcome of the lengthy pay negotiations, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said that it represented a “great win for GXO’s workers​” and for the trade union as a whole.

Graham continued: “It shows the power of the trade union movement and the strength of Unite’s bargaining. I congratulate all our members at GXO on the grit and determination in their fight for better pay.” ​

Meanwhile, Unite regional officer Paddy Brennan congratulate its members for standing together in order to earn a “well-deserved pay award​”.

“Unite always stands up for its members and we continue to win improved pay offers across the country​,” Brennan added.

In other news, Asda Express, the convenience arm of supermarket chain Asda, has promoted Chris Walker to the role of managing director.​ ​The retailer also announced plans to convert 100 stores to the Asda Express branding in February 2024.