Collective action on working time

Despite the legal protections under the WTR, several groups of workers have used collective action to protest against being forced to work long hours and difficult working patterns. For example, the general GMB union recently reported that more than 90% of its members at two Wilko distribution centres said they would take industrial action over “brutal” rota changes. The union says these take no consideration of work-life balance and would impact on health and wellbeing, safety and family life.

“Punishing working patterns” were also at the heart of a dispute involving general Unite union HGV drivers who transport food, drink and duty-free goods to planes at Heathrow airport. The workers threatened strike action over new rosters imposed from 1 March. The union says these are affecting their health and safety and family life. It says many drivers are losing 12 weekends a year, have to work between five and six weeks before they get a weekend off, and some say they are working 10-hour shifts on consecutive days.