Union GMB says Yodel has imposed unworkable driver schedules, robbed drivers of annual leave by not adhering to long held agreements, and offering agency drivers enhancements whilst not offering the same to the loyal directly employed workforce.

GMB members working for Yodel up and down the country have asked the union to ballot them for industrial action, meaning that a strike by Yodel drivers during the peak summer trading period now looks imminent.

The potential walkout comes amid a mass driver shortage across the country – with transport secretary Grant Shapps announcing a temporary extension of lorry drivers’ working hours to meet the shortage.

Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer, said: “GMB has repeatedly tried to get Yodel to understand the strength of feeling from our driver members around these issues. GMB’s driver members are resolute and will continue the fight until Yodel sees sense.

“Picking a fight with a group of organised LGV1 drivers at a time of mass driver shortages is an act of corporate self-sabotage from Yodel. Our members have the power to bring their whole distribution network to a standstill during one of their busiest times – yet Yodel carries on regardless.

“Anyone looking to use Yodel deliveries this summer should think again. GMB will not allow Yodel to rob our hard-working members of annual leave, to impose unfair schedules, to breach collective agreements and to treat agency drivers better than their own loyal staff.”

A spokesperson for Yodel said: “We are aware of the GMB’s comments and are continuing our discussions, with further meetings planned.”