"svpcmc . BEDFORD: Unions' response
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Union reaction to the Bedford news is, predictably, one of anger.
Union members at the Dunstable and Luton plants apparently heard the shock news on Tuesday morning (September 9) when their reps were called to a meeting with management. Feelings among the workforce are described by Transport and General Workers' Union officers as "bitter, disillusioned and demoralised".
Mick Murphy, the TGWU's automotive national group secretary, told CM it was a disgrace that Bedford could make such an announcement without consultation or negotiation with the unions.
"The management had already announced the loss of 1,700 jobs a few weeks ago, with another 1,450 to go now. Just where do Bedford think the volunteers will come from? "If they can do this with the truck division, what's to stop them doing it at Vauxhall Motors?"
Murphy disregarded Bedford general manager Paul Tosch's conunents that "in consultation with trade unions and local agencies we propose to assist our people in finding new jobs," as something purely for public consumption.
"There are no more jobs in Luton and Dunstable than elsewhere," Murphy said.
"A publicity-owned company such as Leyland could not make this sort of decision — and that ought to be a lesson to us," Murphy continued.
By the time CM went to press the TGWU had not decided on what advice to offer its members. "We will await the outcome of the national level meeting of the negotiating body next Monday," said Murphy.