Axial drivers vote for strike in jobs row
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• Sixty-four Axial drivers are poised to strike from today (Thursday) because their jobs have been threatened following Volkswagen's decision to change its delivery operations to another contractor.
The walkout comes after 57 of the 64 drivers voted for industrial action in a ballot organised by the Transport and General Workers Union.
Only two drivers failed to vote and five drivers were against striking.
The move could now throw into doubt the transfer of the car distribution contract to Cumbrian firm ECM on 16 February. The dispute is about ECM's alleged refusal to recognise TUPE regulations that guarantee drivers' terms and conditions when jobs are transferred. Up to 22 jobs will also be lost if new management plans are introduced, says the TGWU.
Discussions held with Volkswagen this week have failed to resolve the situation, but both sides are committed to further negotiations.
Ron Webb, a national officer for the TGWU, says: "This is a serious situation—the drivers are staying out until it's resolved and we are fully supportive of them."
ECN declined to comment.