Ground breaking collective agreement secures rights for Hermes workers


In February 2019, general union the GMB successfully negotiated a collective agreement with courier firm Hermes which the union celebrated as the first UK deal to provide trade union recognition for gig economy workers.


This important agreement shows that strong trade unions, with access to the workplace and effective collective negotiating machinery, are the best way to secure decent work for everyone, but especially for those in precarious employment who are not well served by the tribunal system and by complicated employment status laws. 


Under the deal, Hermes is to offer drivers guaranteed minimum hourly rates and holiday pay in return for an agreement to follow specified routes. The deal follows a tribunal ruling supported by the union confirming that Hermes couriers are “workers” entitled to employment rights (Leyland and Others v Hermes Parcelnet Limited ET Case Number 1800575/2017 and others). Instead of appealing against the ruling, Hermes agreed to negotiate with the union to achieve a collective solution that will benefit all Hermes couriers.