LOGISTICS firm Stuart has slashed staff pay by a quarter while boosting its chairman’s wages by 1,000 per cent, the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) charged today.

The revelation that Damien Phillipe Francis-Xavier Bon took home £2.2 million last year came as Just Eat food couriers working for Stuart continue their second week of strikes over the “devastating” wage cut.

The IWGB, which represents mainly low-paid migrant workers, said that the pay couriers receive per delivery was slashed from £4.50 to £3.40 on December 6, despite the company making an extra £20 million at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The strike, already the longest continuous gig economy walkout, effectively shut down six McDonald’s stores in Sheffield last week and is now taking off in Chesterfield and Sunderland, the union said.

The mostly black and minority ethnic workers, who have been backed by local Labour MP Olivia Blake, are demanding at least £6 per delivery plus mileage and paid waiting times after 10 minutes.

IWGB president Alex Marshall said: “These key workers worked tirelessly 10-12 hours a day through the pandemic keeping restaurants afloat and delivering vital supplies to isolating families.

“Instead of being rewarded, [they] are faced with pay cuts that will push many further into poverty.

“These couriers are going to keep fighting until they get the pay rise they deserve.”

Ms Blake added: “Savage pay cuts and broken promises are no way to thank couriers who worked throughout the pandemic to help deliver food.”

The Sheffield Hallam MP called on bosses to ensure their workers have “a living wage, job security and a fair deal.”

Stuart has been contacted for comment.