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Strike threat hits Scottish Courage

5th March 1998, Page 6
5th March 1998
Page 6
Page 6, 5th March 1998 — Strike threat hits Scottish Courage
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by Sally Nash and Nicky Clarke • Drivers at four Scottish Courage depots are threatening strike action over job losses caused by the brewer's decision to contract out its distribution.

The move comes as Scottish Courage, part of Scottish & Newcastle, prepares to hand over the final part of its distribution operation to Hays Distribution. Hays clinched the deal last year. On 24 April it will take over distribution at the brewer's Reading plant, which produces about a third of S&N's output.

But about 75 drivers are incensed at the move, claiming that they will lose out. They say that about half of them are being offered early retirement while the rest are being offered alternative work by the brewer, which produces Foster's and Miller Pilsner.

As well as deliveries from Reading, the dispute could affect three other sites around the country.

The Transport & General Workers Union has stepped into the fray to ballot about 600 brewery workers for industrial action at Reading, Chandlers Ford in Hampshire, Brook lands in Surrey and Wednesbury in the West Midlands.

The row is based on S&N's continuing drive to contract out all its operations, says TGWU regional industry organiser Andy Frampton. So far these plans have affected security, cleaning, catering and maintenance.

But a spokesman for Scottish Courage claims that the real cause of the dispute is a minority of workers at Reading involved in the shunting operation who want the brewer to change its mind about contracting out to Hays.

However, Scottish & Newcastle will not be making a U-turn over its decision, the spokesman insists. "We have had many meetings with the union and we looked at a number of solutions," he says, "but we believe the decision to contract out our shunting operation to Hays should stand."

Hays won the contract to handle the total primary distribution for six Scottish Courage sites in May last year.

All but Reading went over to Hays in January.


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