Received from: Community
Conference recognises the crucial work that logistics sector workers do to keep our country moving. It is thanks to the hard work of delivery drivers, contact centre workers, roadside patrols and technicians, warehouse operatives, and many other vital workers across this hugely varied sector that consumers can go about their daily lives undisturbed, with access to the essential goods and services they rely on. Conference notes Community’s Wellbeing on the Move campaign, which supports workers in the logistics sector across the UK.
Conference notes that job-related pressures are taking their toll on logistics workers, who often feel overworked and undervalued. Long and anti-social hours, bright and damaging LED lights, alongside limited training opportunities and insufficient employer support, are pushing skilled workers out of the sector, in search of better working conditions elsewhere.
Conference recognises that this is creating a skills gap, as valuable experience is being lost, and opportunities for progression are being side lined. Employers must take meaningful action to improve workers’ wellbeing and prevent more skilled people from leaving the sector.
Therefore, Conference calls on the General Council to:
i. engage with government, trade unions and employees on issues surrounding working hours and rest breaks
ii. consult with unions and workplace reps on existing policies on shift length, overtime, cut off times and nighttime working
iii. encourage employers to take the steps to ensure that wellbeing support services are accessible for employees
iv. encourage employers to ensure that upskilling and training and development opportunities are available to staff.
Community
AMENDMENT
At the end of the first paragraph after “across the UK” insert “as well as Unite’s longstanding campaigning work in the sector, including for toilet dignity”.
In final paragraph, insert new final bullet point 5 as follows:
“5. convene a meeting between logistics trade unions, employers’ organisations and the DfT with a view to addressing these issues through formal sectoral bargaining.”
Unite