Hedin Mercedes-Benz technicians balloted for strike over pay dispute

Technicians employed at Hedin Group’s Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the London region are being balloted for strike action in a dispute over pay, according to the Unite union.

The potential industrial action involves staff at four Hedin sites - Brooklands, Bromley, Croydon and Dartford - who carry out vehicle servicing, repairs and MOTs.

Unite says the ballot follows the company's refusal to table a pay offer for 2025, despite rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures.

Unite claims that the workers received a 2% pay rise in 2024, at a time when RPI inflation averaged 3.6% pointing out that RPI for April stood at 4.5%.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Hedin cannot expect its workers to keep swallowing real terms wage cuts. Unite defends our members’ jobs, pay and conditions to the hilt. Hedin’s workers have their union’s full backing in fighting for a fair pay rise."

Unite regional officer Lui D’Cunha added: "Mercedes-Benz will not be happy that its brand is being dragged into a dispute over workers facing real terms pay cuts in one of the most expensive cities in the world during a cost-of-living crisis.

“Nor will their customers be pleased that they are facing disruption. There is still time to avoid industrial action, but that will require Hedin putting forward an acceptable pay offer."

The strike ballot closes on 9 June. Hedin was contacted for comment but told AM none was available at this time