Unite continues Wincanton staff talks
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CM COVER STORY oarna.bourkelrbi.co.uk TRADE UNION Unite is continuing talks with Stobart Group and Tesco over the future of 700 Wincanton employees. after Tosco announced that it will switch its Middleton, Manchester DC transport operations to Stobart, and take warehousing back in-house.
As well as ending the 21-year relationship with Wincanton at the Stakehill Industrial Estate from 21 March, Tesco has plans to move to a 528,000ft2 site on Stobart's 3MG estate in Widnes, Cheshire.
Wincanton has entered a consultation period over the changes with 450 warehouse staff, 200 drivers and 50 managers Under TUPE regulations, all employees are eligible to transfer to Stobart or Tesco. Speaking exclusively to CM, Neil Clarke, Unite regional industrial organiser, says: "These proposed changes are going to affect a huge number of people.
"It has been confirmed to us that current terms and conditions will be protected, but we are now engaged in a series of meetings to discuss the transfer of undertakings and get some information on what the future holds for the staff."
Tesco says the new, leased, fresh food facility in Widnes will help to better serve customers in the North-West. The firm says the Middleton site didn't have the capacity to cope with current volume growth rates.
A Tesco spokeswoman adds: "While Wincanton staff have the chance to work at the new facility, not all will choose to."
Unite reveals that talks with Stobart and Tesco have been scheduled for the next month.