Transporter drivers threaten strike ballot
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• Up to 50 Axial drivers whose jobs have been threatened following Volkswagen's decision to change its delivery operations to another contractor are to be balloted on strike action.
The Transport and General Workers Union says that Cumbrian firm ECM, which takes over car distribution operations from 16 February, is refusing to guarantee the transfer of drivers' jobs,
It says the firm isn't recognis. ing its responsibilities under the Acquired Rights Directive which protects employment terms and conditions when contracts are transferred. Up to 22 jobs will also be lost if new management plans are introduced, says the TGWU. National officer Ron Webb criticised VW for its "unsympathetic attitude and apparent disregard to employment protection."
He expects 100% support for industrial action and says he believes that this is an issue which could spread throughout the car distribution industry. Nearly two years ago TGWU was successful in fighting a similar action involving both Volkswagen and ECM when 24 transporter drivers lost their jobs at Grimsby.
The union is meeting Volkswagen this week.
Sheerness-based Sea King, which won the yard operations part of the contract from Axial, has accepted the terms and is negotiating with the union: ECM declines to comment.