More than 6,000 Evri couriers are to be balloted over a controversial pay offer that unions warn could leave many workers worse off, in a fresh escalation of tensions between the delivery giant and its drivers.
The GMB union, which has held a recognition agreement with Evri since 2019, is urging members to reject the deal for the first time, marking a significant hardening of its stance towards the company.
The proposed terms, which date back to 2025, will be put to a vote from tomorrow, with the ballot closing on June 9.
Union officials argue the offer could amount to a pay cut for a substantial number of couriers, raising concerns about the impact on already-squeezed self-employed workers in the parcel delivery sector.
If drivers reject the deal, the GMB said it will meet members to discuss next steps, raising the prospect of further industrial unrest or renewed negotiations.
The vote comes amid ongoing scrutiny of pay and conditions in the gig-style logistics industry, where firms have faced repeated criticism over levels of remuneration and job security.
Nicola Savage, GMB National Officer said: “Evri couriers do an unbelievable job, delivering millions of packages across the UK with incredible speed – often facing abuse and even attacks while doing it
“It’s only right they get a pay rise that values the work they do.
“Not only is this pay offer a year late, but in our view it falls short of what couriers deserve.
“That’s why GMB has recommended reject – but ultimately the couriers themselves will decide in this ballot.”
An Evri spokesperson said: “We are surprised by the GMB Union reaction to our latest pay ballot, which does not reflect the collective discussions we have held in recent months and weeks.
“Our dedicated community couriers are at the heart of our business, and this pay offer is a multi-million-pound investment from Evri into the pay of GMB Evri Plus members.
“If successful, the deal provides thousands of GMB Evri Plus members with guaranteed minimum equivalent hourly rates (MEHR) above the national living wage, additional bonus payments and rate protection through to at least April 2027.
This deal exceeds recent pay offers announced by many recognised UK businesses. For our GMB Evri Plus couriers it guarantees a minimum equivalent hourly rate of £14 (£14.80 in London) plus expenses on top, with average courier earnings significantly more.
“Furthermore, over 70% of our eligible GMB Evri Plus members would receive an additional annual bonus payment of up to £875, adding to our existing comprehensive benefits package including paid holiday, pension contributions and parental leave.
“For customers, this pay offer supports Evri’s commitment to investing in pay for sustainable community courier roles to further drive service quality. Our data highlights higher customer satisfaction with couriers who deliver regular community rounds.”
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