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Great Bear sacks strike drivers
Page 7
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UPI° 30 DRIVERS face Christmas on the dole after Great Bear Distribution refused to back down on its plans for new contracts that will cut pay and conditions.
Last week the firm's announcement that it intended to introduce new contracts led to a strike at its Basildon depot. The move came after the firm took over a contract to deliver Michelin tyres; the drivers were transferred under the TUPE regulations, which protect pay and conditions.
Transport & General Workers' Union regional organiser Geoff Jarvis says the changes to the contracts could contravene the TUPE rights of the workers concerned.
"The industrial action has now ended," he adds. "The workers' existing contracts were terminated last weekend and a number of drivers who refused to sign up to the new contract were sacked. Great Bear now faces industrial tribunals for unfair dismissal.
"Those who took the decision to go back on fewer conditions were forced to sign a clause to say that they wouldn't pursue an industrial tribunal or [else they] were refused a new contract."
Great Bear has declined to comment on the case.