Honda workers back job protection package
22nd May 2009
Workers at Honda in Swindon have today (Friday) voted
overwhelmingly in favour of a package to protect jobs at the
company.
89 per cent of the workers who took part in the ballot have
agreed to take a temporary three per cent pay cut for ten months
when they return to work on June 1st following a four month
shutdown. The measures are to protect 490 jobs at the plant, and
were recommended by the union. Honda mangers will receive a heftier
five per cent pay cut.
After the ten month period, Honda expects the car market to
improve. In return for agreeing to the cut, the workers will
receive a bonus of six additional days of paid leave.
Unite regional officer, Jim D'Avila, said: "In true solidarity
the workers at Honda are standing together during difficult times
to protect hundreds of jobs. This is also a ringing endorsement of
the shop stewards at Honda who have the full confidence of the
workforce.
"The union has been going from strength to strength at the
company and doing an outstanding job to represent its members.
“The 'yes' vote means that managers will share the pain of this
downturn, taking a bigger cut of five per cent."
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo, Unite press officer on: 07768 931 315 or
Jim D'Avila, Unite officer on: 07788 641 516
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