Better deal from Axial
Page 10
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by Sally Nash • Car transporter drivers at Axial's Sheerness depot have won a range of improved terms and conditions now that a long-running dispute over transfer of work rules has finally been resolved.
The row centred on Volkswagen's decision to switch a car delivery contract from Axial to ECM, The Transport & General Workers Union alleged that ECM was refusing to recognise TUPE regulations that guarantee drivers' terms and conditions. A settlement has now been reached after three meetings involving
the union and VW direc
tors (CM 27 Feb-5 Mar). Under the new terms and conditions, employees who want to continue employment can do so.
About 10 employees have accepted voluntary redundancy with improved payments; employees who transfer to ECM will do so on Axial conditions.
ECM, which was threatening to move its base from Sheerness, Kent has now pledged to retain a depot in the county.
TGWU national officer Ron Webb says: "We are pleased that at the end of the day common sense prevailed and that the discussions with ECM and Volkswagen were constructive and led to the eventual agreement being reached."
Webb insists that the ECM case sends out clear signals about the union's position to any employer which does not follow the TUPE rules.