G4S cash workers have suspended planned strikes today after a pay deal was agreed with the security giant which delivers cash and coins to some of the biggest UK supermarkets.
Members of the GMB trade union voted in favour of industrial action last month, sparking fears of potential cash shortages at banks and retailers across the UK in the run-up to Christmas.
Workers at the security giant, who deliver to Big 4 grocer’s Tesco and Asda and ex-Big 4 grocer Morrisons, were meant to strike from 3am this morning after 97% of voting members were in favour of the move.
However, the trade union has now paused the industrial action and is urging for a two-year pay deal from the company to members.
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As a result, the pay deal will include an 8.5% increase in basic pay and allowances from January 2023.
The increase will also involve a minimum rise of 3.75% from January 2024, with a maximum of 6%, depending on Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation levels in October next year.
“G4S cash staff are low paid workers doing a dangerous job, transferring the cash so many of us rely on every day,” GMB national officer Eamon O’Hearn said.
“They deserve decent pay in this cost-of-living crisis. They will now decide whether this offer is enough.”
A G4S spokesman said: “We are pleased that the GMB is recommending our two-year offer to affected employees and that next week’s strikes have been suspended.”