Axial strike is postponed
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• Car transporter drivers at Axial's Sheerness depot have postponed industrial action over the terms and conditions of a new Volkswagen contract with Carlisle-based ECM after VW stepped in to prevent a strike.
A majority of the 64 drivers voted to postpone strike action for two months after Transport & General Workers Union district officer Bill Lambe told them VW directors had inter
vened on 17 February. TGwu national officer Ron Webb says VW directors will be involved in the discussions between the union and ECM directors over transfer of work rules that the union claims should preserve the workers' existing conditions.
The move came the day after Axial's contract was due to be transferred to ECM but Webb dismissed claims that the companies were playing at brinkmanship. "It's intended this period will be used for discussion, and, where necessary, negotiation," he says. "We're going into the discussions with an attitude that's positive."
ECM refuses to comment but a spokesman for VW confirms that its directors will be part of the negotiations and that Axial will continue to deliver some of its cars while these talks take place.