Short time working threat

Unite has pledged to ensure that workers at the Michelin tyre factory in Stoke on Trent, affected by the announcement today (January 10) of the introduction of short-time working arrangements, will have losses of pay minimised.

 

The company’s announcement means that for three months from February to April this year some of the workforce will be required to work fewer shifts.

 

For workers on Michelin’s VHC contracts (a guaranteed part time contract where workers usually work full time) it is estimated that the short time working will mean workers could receive £400 less a month.

 

Unite’s convenor at the Michelin factory Robert Taylor said, “The announcement is clearly disappointing and has come as a surprise.

 

“Unite has been assured that this is a temporary situation and it will not affect the long-term future of the site and there will be no job losses,” he added.

 

Unite national officer Tony Devlin noted, “This is clearly bad news for workers who are by no means wealthy.

 

“Unite will be working with Michelin to minimise the effects of the short time working in order to lessen the financial blow for the affected workers,” Devlin added.

 

“The announcement underlines the challenging trading environment faced throughout the UK tyre industry and demonstrates why it is vital that the government develops a coherent industrial strategy to protect jobs and skills in this important industry