MPs slam sacking of CT strikers
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• More than 100 MPs have protested at trailer manufacturer Craven Tasker's decision to sack its striking Cumbernauld workers and replace them with new employees (CM 1-7 August).
Led by Cumbernauld MP Norman Hogg, 109 MPs signed a parliamentary motion calling on Craven Tasker to withdraw dismissal notices to the sacked 43 strikers, reinstate them and resume negotiations with their union, the AEU.
Hogg says Harold Montgomery, chaiman of Craven Tasker's parent Ballyvesey Holdings, refuses to meet him saying: "I have to confirm that the jobs of all those who deserted the company cannot be preserved and there is no point in discussing the matter further."
Hogg has also written to Employment Secretary Michael Howard and Scottish Industry Minister Allan Stewart protest ing at the sackings. "The strike had been conducted within industrial relations law — but as soon as the men walked out they were dismissed," says Hogg.
The MP says his aim is to achieve reconciliation between Craven Tasker and the unions, which have represented production workers at the firm for 28 years.
The strike began on 7 June after Craven Tasker announced a pay freeze. Montgomery was unavailable for comment as CM went to press.