Recognition row at Baker Group by David Craik • Baker
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Group Distribution has been slammed by a Leicestershire Transport and General Workers Union official for refusing to meet him, even though the majority of the 50 drivers at the company's Crick depot want union recognition.
Derek Wail says the situation is worsened because the drivers are currently in negotiation with the Baker Group over a new pay deal. "They meet the company after a day's work and later call me to discuss what has happened," he says.
In a written statement, Paul Dennehy, group human resources manager at the Baker Group, says: "Throughout its history, the Baker Group, including Baker Group Distribution, has recognised comprehensive policies and procedures benefiting all its employees.
"However," he adds, "as the organisation is currently negotiating a new deal with its drivers, comment at this time on its policies would be inappropriate. "With much public discussion on the forthcoming Transport White Paper, the Baker Group looks forward with interest to the development of any new legislation."
Wail says he has received only the same statement from the Baker Group in his attempt to arrange a meeting with Dennehy. He describes the Baker Group's actions as a shame.
"We will have to wait on this one until legislation on recognition comes in," Wail concludes. "We would rather negotiate voluntary deals with companies if we could."
• Pay settlements in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire are generally coming in at between 3.5 and 4%, says the Transport and General Workers Union.
T&G officer Reg Thomas, based in Luton, says most deals are above inflation—and when they aren't, they are being rejected. He cites a pay offer for 150 drivers at Tibbett & Britten's Spectrum operation (working for the Arcadia Group, which was part of the Burton Group demerg_er at the beginning of the year). An offer of under 3% was "overwhelmingly rejected" by T&G members and further talks are due to take place in early May, says Thomas.
However, a deal which equates to about 3.9% has been agreed for drivers at Redland Distribution who work on the roofing tiles contract. The offer is out to ballot now, with a recommendation for acceptance.
Drivers at Swift Transport Services have been offered a rise of 4.5% on basic rates and an extra day's holiday from January. Taking other benefits into account the package is