12.07.2007

JCB backs down

The threat of industrial action at its Rocester and two other UK plants, has forced JCB to reverse a decision to move weekly paid workers to monthly pay.

The company had given notice of the switch and offered loans to affected workers to cover the period without pay.

However the GMB union said the move represented a contractual change for its members.

In a ballot of 1,200 workers, almost 70 percent were in favour of an overtime ban while over 50 percent were prepared to go out on strike.

Under this pressure, JCB decided to continue paying affected employees weekly.