Strike threat as Consett company move work south

May 12 2009 by David Old, The Journal

Walk-outs are planned for Monday, May 18, and Tuesday, May 26. Workers will also refuse to work overtime from May 18.

Regional organiser, Stephen Thompkins said: “We appreciate the company’s having financial difficulties, but why is it outsourcing work? If the work was kept in Consett there wouldn’t be the need for this many redundancies.

“There also should have been proper consultation over the shift allowances.

“Our members haven’t lodged complaints about the three-day week or pay freeze, because it’s accepted it effects everyone. But these other issues were brought in without relevant notice. People have families, when their allowance is cut and all of a sudden work is sent down to Cambridge, it’s hard to take.”

Last-ditch talks will be held on Thursday to try to avoid the action.

The firm employs about 400 workers at the Consett site.

A company spokesman said: “We are currently continuing discussions facilitated by ACAS. I can confirm the dispute is not related to the recent redundancies.”