Latest news with #SharonGraham
The Independent
3 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Stagecoach drivers end strike action after 11.5% pay uplift agreed
Stagecoach bus drivers have ended strike action after accepting a new pay deal. Walkouts by drivers in the west of Scotland have been ongoing since June 9 and were scheduled to last until July 21. The industrial dispute directly impacted Stagecoach West Scotland operations out of depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan and Kilmarnock, servicing passengers across bus routes in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Glasgow. But Unite the union said on Friday it had secured an 11.5% pay uplift for 430 drivers in an 18-month deal. The union said it amounts to an increase, backdated to January, which takes basic hourly pay from £13 per hour to £14 in June this year. From February 2026, the rate will be lifted to £14.50 until July next year when pay negotiations will be renewed. Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: 'Unite's members at Stagecoach West Scotland have stood firm to get an improved pay offer. 'The dispute has been resolved only through the brave stance of the drivers taking strike action. 'This dispute was all about decency and fair pay. Unite will always stand up for our members fighting for better jobs, pay and conditions.' Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, said: 'The drivers were only asking to be paid at a rate similar to other Stagecoach drivers across the UK. 'The pay deal will take our members to a level that represents significant progress from where this dispute started. 'Strike action is now over and our members can get back to doing what they do best, which is to provide a first rate bus service for communities across the west of Scotland.' A spokesperson for Stagecoach said: 'We are pleased that our drivers have voted overwhelmingly to accept the pay deal. 'We want to thank our communities for their patience during the disruptive industrial action earlier this month and we now return our focus to ensuring we deliver our essential services to keep communities in Ayrshire connected.'
BBC News
5 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Stagecoach strike over as bus drivers accept pay deal
Hundreds of bus drivers in the west of Scotland have ended strike action after accepting a pay deal from Unite union said the new terms would be worth an 11.5% uplift on basic pay, ending a long-running dispute between unions and the bus operator that affected services in Ayrshire and 430 workers began several weeks of consecutive strike action on 9 June, but halted the walkout on Wednesday after Stagecoach made the new offer. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the drivers had taken "a brave stance" by going on strike. The pay deal amounts to an increase backdated to January, taking basic hourly pay from £13 per hour to £14 in June this February 2026 the rate will be lifted to £14.50 until July 2026 when pay negotiations will take place continuous strike action followed three one-day strikes in May and June, affecting services throughout Ayrshire and Arran. The dispute centred on the union seeking an improvement on a 4% pay rise offer tabled last November - a proposal Unite had described as "unacceptable".Stagecoach claimed an increased offer would risk the viability of services, while the union argued drivers in Ayrshire were among the worst paid in the company. Stagecoach operated a reduced timetable during the days of Graham said the drivers "have stood firm to get an improved pay offer" and the dispute was about "decency and fair pay."Unite industrial officer Siobhan McCready said the deal represented "significant progress" for the announced this week it was ending almost all of its bus services in Dumfries and Galloway - a region not affected by the recent strike - because they were "no longer commercially viable".
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Shoppers warned of ‘substantial' shortages of staple summer drink on supermarket shelves from today
Keep reading to find out how you can save money buying alcohol DRY SUMMER Shoppers warned of 'substantial' shortages of staple summer drink on supermarket shelves from today Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHOPPERS have been warned there will be "substantial" shortages of a classic summer drink from TODAY. Brits were devastated to learn they could find empty wine shelves in supermarkets up and down the country. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Wine shelves are set to look a little bare this summer Credit: Getty Bottles have disappeared rapidly after a popular wine supplier announced its workers are going on strike. Staff at Encirc, a Bristol based warehouse that holds 18 of the most drank wine brands in the UK, kicked off the 16-day walk out today. Around 2000 employees at the site, in Avonmouth, revealed they will carry out the industrial action from June 19 to July 5. Unit members are going on strike over a pay dispute, as reported by the Express, after already being offered a 3.2 per cent wage increase. A union spokesperson claimed workers are not paid properly despite the "very profitable company" Encirc turning over £600million. It will see key figures in bottling, packaging and distribution, walk out on different dates - as well as a 12 week overtime ban. Experts have claimed the strike could see a "significant" shortage of wines at UK supermarkets. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Encirc's meanness to its workers is all about greed and not need. "This is a very lucrative company that can fully afford to pay its workers properly but it is choosing not to. "Unite will not stand idly by and allow Encric to steal our members hard won rights. Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel "Encirc workers deserve better and they have Unite's full support throughout this dispute." Unite regional officer John Sweeney added: "There is no doubt that this action will hit supermarket shelves. "While shortages may be frustrating for customers looking to enjoy a bottle of wine this summer, the situation is entirely of Encirc's own making. "Management has constantly refused to engage meaningfully. Encirc needs to return to the negotiating table with a vastly improved offer." Encirc said it is 'open to dialogue with the union in good faith.' This comes as beer fans are going bananas over this summer beverage accessory that has been branded a "great product." The product is currently on sale for nearly half the price and can arrive at your home in time for the weekend. And, Sun reporter Helen Nicklin has tested a range of supermarket summer cocktails in a can. The winner was a Pimm's mix - which was £10 cheaper than the new Aperol Spritz. Shoppers can now pick up the 200ml bottles in packs of four at specific supermarkets – taking all the hassle out of cocktail making. And it is not the only big-name tipple that has been canned for your convenience. Here, drinks expert Helena sips and scores a selection of pre-mixed cocktails. Plus, Morrisons shoppers have raised a glass this week as the industry giant rolls out brand-new cocktails for just £1.50 per drink – and they're perfect for summer BBQs. The budget-friendly booze is part of an exclusive tie-up with premium cocktail brand The Drinks Bureau, bringing a taste of the bar straight to your garden party. Available now in over 280 Morrisons stores across the UK, the 1.5-litre cocktail boxes are priced at £15 each – or just £12 with a More Card. That works out at as little as £1.20 per serving, offering premium drinks at pocket-friendly prices. Each box contains ten ready-to-drink servings and includes a tap-style spout for easy pouring, making it an ideal option for hassle-free entertaining. It's also the first time shoppers can get premium 'on tap' cocktails from a UK supermarket – a format that's proven popular in bars and pubs.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Shoppers warned of ‘substantial' shortages of staple summer drink on supermarket shelves from today
SHOPPERS have been warned there will be "substantial" shortages of a classic summer drink from TODAY. Brits were devastated to learn they could find empty wine shelves in supermarkets up and down the country. 1 Bottles have disappeared rapidly after a popular wine supplier announced its workers are going on strike. Staff at Encirc, a Bristol based warehouse that holds 18 of the most drank wine brands in the UK, kicked off the 16-day walk out today. Around 2000 employees at the site, in Avonmouth, revealed they will carry out the industrial action from June 19 to July 5. Unit members are going on strike over a pay dispute, as reported by the Express, after already being offered a 3.2 per cent wage increase. A union spokesperson claimed workers are not paid properly despite the "very profitable company" Encirc turning over £600million. It will see key figures in bottling, packaging and distribution, walk out on different dates - as well as a 12 week overtime ban. Experts have claimed the strike could see a "significant" shortage of wines at UK supermarkets. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Encirc's meanness to its workers is all about greed and not need. "This is a very lucrative company that can fully afford to pay its workers properly but it is choosing not to. "Unite will not stand idly by and allow Encric to steal our members hard won rights. Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel "Encirc workers deserve better and they have Unite's full support throughout this dispute." Unite regional officer John Sweeney added: "There is no doubt that this action will hit supermarket shelves. "While shortages may be frustrating for customers looking to enjoy a bottle of wine this summer, the situation is entirely of Encirc's own making. "Management has constantly refused to engage meaningfully. Encirc needs to return to the negotiating table with a vastly improved offer." Encirc said it is 'open to dialogue with the union in good faith.' This comes as beer fans are going bananas over this summer beverage accessory that has been branded a "great product." The product is currently on sale for nearly half the price and can arrive at your home in time for the weekend. And, Sun reporter Helen Nicklin has tested a range of supermarket summer cocktails in a can. The winner was a Pimm's mix - which was £10 cheaper than the new Aperol Spritz. Shoppers can now pick up the 200ml bottles in packs of four at specific supermarkets – taking all the hassle out of cocktail making. And it is not the only big-name tipple that has been canned for your convenience. Here, drinks expert Helena sips and scores a selection of pre-mixed cocktails. Plus, Morrisons shoppers have raised a glass this week as the industry giant rolls out brand-new cocktails for just £1.50 per drink – and they're perfect for summer BBQs. The budget-friendly booze is part of an exclusive tie-up with premium cocktail brand The Drinks Bureau, bringing a taste of the bar straight to your garden party. Available now in over 280 Morrisons stores across the UK, the 1.5-litre cocktail boxes are priced at £15 each – or just £12 with a More Card. That works out at as little as £1.20 per serving, offering premium drinks at pocket-friendly prices. Each box contains ten ready-to-drink servings and includes a tap-style spout for easy pouring, making it an ideal option for hassle-free entertaining. It's also the first time shoppers can get premium 'on tap' cocktails from a UK supermarket – a format that's proven popular in bars and pubs. How to save money buying alcohol Alcohol can be pricey if you're planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs. It's always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price. Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz. The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter. If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers. Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as or Don't forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too. If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You'll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Unite opposes DS Smith's Derbyshire packaging factory closure
UK's trade union Unite is opposing the proposed closure of DS Smith's packaging factory in Derbyshire as consultations commence. The factory in question is the Clay Cross site, which has nearly 140 jobs at risk. DS Smith, a supplier of retail packaging in the UK, was recently subject to a £5.8bn takeover by Memphis-based International Paper. The new management is reportedly planning to restructure UK operations, potentially closing five sites by the end of 2025. The planned closures could affect around 300 roles, raising concerns among workers and their families. Unite represents the engineers at the Clay Cross site, which has been a significant employer in the local community for generations. Despite International Paper's assurances during the acquisition process that they would not close UK plants, these proposed closures have emerged. Earlier in 2025, the company reported increased sales and earnings, largely attributed to the DS Smith acquisition. The Clay Cross site has been recognised for its operational success and health and safety, making it one of DS Smith's highest performing locations in the UK. The decision to consider this site for closure is reportedly linked to required infrastructure investments, particularly a new roof. This recommendation for a roof replacement stemmed from a visual inspection conducted in 2021. However, the site team has been managing the roof for several years and is not currently requesting its replacement. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Workers who were given assurances that their jobs would be safe now face paying the price for a profitable company's greed. It is an utter disgrace that International Paper is playing fast and loose with workers' livelihoods. "Unite is prepared to fight every step of the way to protect our hardworking members' jobs at Clay Cross." "Unite opposes DS Smith's Derbyshire packaging factory closure" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
