'We will not allow workers to be sold out'

Members of Unite employed by Chamberlin and Hill Castings Ltd, will stage a social distanced demonstration tomorrow (Thursday, October 22) in protest at huge pay cuts instigated by the company.

The workforce are protesting at changes to terms and conditions being forced on the workforce which will result in workers becoming up to £200 a week worse off.

Unite made counter proposals that would have resulted in the company, which produces castings for the automotive industry, making the same level of savings, however all of these were rejected. Unite is now preparing to hold an industrial action ballot in opposition to the company’s actions.

As well as protesting at the cuts in pay to the workforce at Chamberlin and Hill, Unite is also campaigning for greater support from government for the manufacturing sector that has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unite has launched its SOS for Jobs campaign which calls on the government to follow the lead of other European nations such as France and Germany who are providing a far greater level of assistance to their manufacturing sectors to protect them during the pandemic.

The government’s job retention scheme ends next week and many companies have indicated that the government’s job support scheme is of limited value.

Unite regional officer Caroline Crolley said, “Chamberlin and Hill is forcing its workforce into poverty as a result of instigating huge pay cuts.

“This demonstration will show the company just how upset and angry workers are as they will simply be not able to make ends meet,” she added.

“As a result Unite has no option but to move to a full industrial action ballot.

“While the actions of Chamberlin and Hill are totally unacceptable it must not be forgotten that many sections of the manufacturing sector have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Crolley continued.

“Unless the government provides far more direct financial support to the manufacturing sector then further huge job losses and attacks on workers’ pay and conditions are inevitable.”

Unite regional secretary for the West Midlands Annmarie Kilcline added,“This demonstration and Unite’s SOS for Jobs campaign establishes how Unite is totally committed to protecting jobs and not allowing workers to be sold out.”

The demonstration will be held on Thursday (October 22) from 6pm outside of Chamberlin and Hill Castings Ltd, Chuckery Road, Walsall WS1 2DU.

By Barckley Sumner