Amicus dispute with 21st Century Logistics – Kent
Monday, 26 June
2006
Amicus members employed at 21st
Century Logistics, the warehouse contractors for papermakers M-Real
at their Sittingbourne and Kemsley paper mills in Kent are set to
stage a second strike on July 4th.
Amicus members have already staged a one day strike on 21st
June 2006. Union members say that they are angry that the company
refuses to sign up to an agreement that entitles them to negotiate
on their working conditions.
Amicus Organiser in the Graphical Paper & Media sector Guy
Langston said
“Despite union recognition being awarded by
the Central Arbitration Committee, which arbitrates on union
recognition issues, 21st Century Logistics refuses to sign the
agreement that would enable both the union and the company to sit
down and negotiate Amicus members working conditions.”
Amicus Branch Official Paul Baker said: "ACAS have
been present at three separate meetings to help both parties reach
agreement, but the company refused to negotiate. The only
alternative left to our members was to take part in industrial
action. It is not acceptable. The ballot conducted by an
independent body resulted in a 100% yes vote for strike action and
action short of a strike.”
Paul Baker continued that Amicus is prepared to meet with the
company at any time in an effort to resolve the dispute.
-Ends-
For more information contact Peter Ellis Amicus
National Officer on 07774 663499 or Ashraf Choudhury in the Amicus
press office on 020 7420 8914 or 07980 224761
