Strike threat forces re-think on agency staff
Wednesday, 17th October 2007
Unite members at publishing firm Harper
Collins, part of the News International Corporation, have achieved
a major victory after balloting overwhelmingly for strike
action.
For over a year Harper Collins, in Glasgow,
have been hiring agency workers to do the work of the core
permanent workers, almost replacing them in certain jobs. The
hiring of these agency staff, at first only 10 but quickly reaching
over 100, lead to permanent staff being reduced and a dramatic
reduction in earnings for its core staff.
Unite balloted its members for industrial
action which resulted in an overwhelming 159 of the 160 members
balloted voting yes to strike. This then led to the management
wanting to negotiate.
After these negotiations, the company
reinstated the overtime for its core staff and reduced agency staff
levels.
Unite National Officer, Steve Sibbald,
said:
“This is fantastic result and great
news for our members. This just shows what can be done when people
are determined to stand up for what they believe.
“This is a blatant example of how some
companies by undercutting the earnings of core permanent workers
can exploit agency workers who are hired on much lesser terms and
conditions that their permanent colleagues.”
-ENDS-
For further information please contact
Steve Sibbald on 07958 538537 or Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite
Press Office on 020 7420 8914 / 07980 224761.
