Rab Donnelly – Usdaw deputy general secretary says: “Over half of Tetrosyl’s warehouse staff have now joined Usdaw and, under the terms of the legislation, recognition can be given to the union without the need for a ballot. We had hoped to reach a voluntary agreement with the company, but management has decided not to engage with us. We have made an application to the Central Arbitration Committee, asking them to make a determination.
“There has never been a greater need for trade union representation in Tetrosyl, who are currently engaged in an immoral use of ‘fire and rehire’. At a time when the business was able to pay shareholders a dividend of £2 million last year, they have drastically cut terms and conditions of employment. Warehouse staff have lost between £4,000 and £7,000 per year, due to the removal of terms such as a shift supplement and paid breaks.
“In response, our members voted overwhelmingly to strike, seeking to protect their livelihoods, and have so far taken six separate days of industrial action. The company have not only failed to recognise Usdaw, but also refuse to engage in dispute resolution. It is only fair that our members should be rewarded for their contribution to the profitability of the business and not be hit with a ‘fire and rehire’ penalty. They should be treated with dignity and respect, which can only be achieved with the representation of Usdaw.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest with around 370,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also represents many workers in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk
Central Arbitration Committee application
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