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Article

1 Mar 2018

Author:
Ben Chapman, The Independent

Gig economy ruling: Couriers carrying blood for NHS win right to collective bargaining

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A union for couriers delivering vital blood supplies to NHS hospitals has won the right to recognition from an employer in a victory for gig economy workers.

It is the culmination of a lengthy battle for the International Workers’ Union of Great Britain and couriers at The Doctors Laboratory. 

TDL is a private firm that provides outsourced delivery services for the NHS...

The employer had refused to recognise the union but the Central Arbitration Committee declared that the IWGB should be recognised. The IWGB can now bargain on behalf of the couriers, meaning it can now negotiate wages and working conditions...

Last month, after further legal action, TDL conceded in an out-of-court settlement that two of its couriers were in fact employees, meaning that they are entitled to full employment rights including sick pay. All of the couriers will now be able to collectively bargain thanks to the latest CAC decision.

Unlike workers and employees, independent contractors do not have the right to form collective bargaining units, to the minimum wage or to holiday pay. [also refers to CitySprint, Hermes and DPD]