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“Workers feel betrayed” – Unite members on strike

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17 November, 2014Following a successful stoppage of work on 14 November, workers at Trelleborg Industrial AVS in Leicester, UK, are planning further strike action this week.  

Over 160 members of IndustriALL Global Union UK affiliate Unite the Union are taking part in a series of stoppages, as well as working to rule and refusing to work overtime. This follows the rejection of a 1.5 per cent wage rise for 2014 and 2015 offered by management at the Swedish-owned company.

Unite´s members have worked hard to support the company, which has just won a lucrative contract with Bombardier, and accepted a pay freeze to get it back on track last year. But despite a record year members are growing increasingly frustrated by the company’s refusal to engage in meaningful talks and address concerns over pay.

Unite regional officer Lakhy Mahal says:

“The workforce feels betrayed by the company’s refusal to recognise their hard work in getting the company back on track and achieving record sales.

“The company should be in no doubt of the workforce’s resolve which is underlined by the massive vote in favour of industrial action. Management need to engage in meaningful talks to resolve the dispute and give people a fair and decent pay rise.”

Unite senior officials are now in dialogue with the Sweden metalworkers union IF Metall about the dispute.

Trelleborg Industrial AVS manufactures specialist components for construction vehicles, boats and rail.

Messages of solidarity and support can be sent to Unite members via l[email protected]