A STRIKE that could have caused massive disruption to deliveries in Glasgow has now been called off.

The Glasgow Times told in July of HGV drivers' fury at what were dubbed "Dickensian" changes to shift patterns for workers at Yodel.

In August a ballot of members at the Bellshill depot returned an overwhelming mandate for strike action.

But GMB Scotland has now announced that members have voted to accept revised pay rates that will see hourly pay rise by nearly 20%.

Yodel was contacted for comment but did not respond.

GMB representative Mickey Hawthorne said: "We are pleased our LGV community has received recognition for the skilled work they undertake in anti-social hours.

"But Yodel need to address chronic low pay for under the roof staff working in warehouses if they wish to retain the dedicated workforce they have."

GMB members in Yodel delivered a record strike ballot when 95% of workers voted to take industrial action and walk out.

At a time of well-publicised driver shortages and coming into the peak season for deliveries approaching Christmas there were fears that prolonged action would leave thousands of parcels to rot in central warehouses.

Yodel workers were reacted with frustration when agency staff were offered hourly rates in excess of existing permanent staff.

As strike action became imminent, both parties agreed to go to the mediation body ACAS to hash out a deal.

An eleventh hour agreement was settled that was approved by union members.

GMB Scotland Assistant Organiser John Slaven said: "It is the unity and determination of our LGV members in Yodel that has led to this fair outcome.

"In simple terms our members have been grossly underpaid for years.

"Covid has shown the value of our members who have been the lifeline to many people and communities throughout this pandemic."

But John echoed Mickey in raising the issue of low pay for non-driving Yodel staff, those dubbed 'under the roof'.

He added: "Despite relief at the outcome, there are ongoing issues with other workers in Yodel described as under the roof staff' who load, unload and sort vast quantities of parcels in four depots across Scotland."

With strike action lifted there is anticipation for record number of deliveries in Yodel as festive shoppers increasingly order goods online.