SUPPLY chains across Glasgow could be disrupted as union bosses ballot LGV drivers over strike action.

The GMB union is taking the temperature of feeling among members who work for delivery firm Yodel and are angry about proposed roster changes.

It comes as the UK is already in the grip of a supply chain crisis and a walk out at Yodel could mean delays in parcel deliveries for customers.

Yodel's Bellshill depot is one of the largest in Britain and sees tens of thousands of parcels delivered every day - from food to flowers and bikes to furniture and clothes.

The company said it was "disappointed" by the union's decision to ballot.

Michael Hawthorn, an LGV driver and GMB convenor, said: "Our members never had a single solitary day away from work during covid.

"We delivered record numbers of parcels during the height of the pandemic while others were safe at home.

"Yet Yodel rewards us by attacking our work life balance, pays us less than agency workers and generally treats us with disrespect."

Drivers claim the company is trying to impose shift changes that would increase weekend working.

Glasgow Times: Yodel delivery vans

They further say that agency workers at the Bellshill site are being paid "considerably more" than permanent staff.

Across the UK, the union said staff are at breaking point over issues such as a lack of work-life balance, and an alleged failure to honour contractual agreements on pay for holiday and sick leave as well as an alleged lack of payouts in lieu of annual leave.

Ballot for strike action were issued last week and will run for three weeks with anecdotal evidence suggesting overwhelming support for industrial action.

GMB Assistant Organiser John Slaven added: "Our hard-working LGV One Members are at breaking point.

"Told they were heroes during covid then told to get back on their driving seats and be quiet when they ask to be treated with respect.

"We have talked to every LGV driver member, and we are confident we shall return an massive vote for action both in Scotland and throughout the UK."

LGV One drivers deliver the baulks of goods to central distributing points throughout Scotland and the UK where delivery drivers then load and deliver to homes and businesses.

Action by LGV One drivers could cripple the network and leave delivery and courier drivers with no parcels to deliver just at a time when they are approaching peak delivery periods.

A Yodel spokesperson said: “We are disappointed by the GMB’s ballot plans having been proactive in conversations with the union for a number of weeks.

"We will continue to work with our union colleagues in good faith and are committed to further discussions to resolve any remaining matters.”