by René Lavanchy
A COMPANY threatened its staff with losing their jobs if they did not agree to tear up a union bargaining agreement has been forced to back down following defiance from its staff.
Logistics firm AutoLogic wrote to its delivery drivers last month, telling them that an efficiency drive meant they had to accept new contracts and the de-recognition of the T&G section of Unite.
But after Unite threatened legal and industrial action over the letter – which described the union as “out of touch” and only fit to provide “tea and sympathy” – the company have suddenly declared that they do not want to de-recognise the union after all.
A joint statement issued last week said: “There is full agreement between Unite and Autologic to work together for the long term benefit of the company and all its employees… Additionally, Autologic would like to make it clear that it is not seeking union de-recognition.”
The original letter from AutoLogic’s human resources director to the company’s 280 car delivery drivers, which was accompanied by a ballot form for union de-recognition, said: “The ballot choice is yours but think long and hard about the economic climate… Think long and hard about how you will continue caring and looking after your families and dependents with no job.”
As late as last week, AutoLogic was insisting that its requests were “fair and reasonable”. But within days, it had issued a new letter offering drivers a one-off payment of £2,000 if they signed new contracts.
Finally, after mass refusal to sign the contracts, on Friday chief executive Avril Palmer-Baunack met Unite assistant general secretary Len McCluskey for talks. Both letters have reportedly now been withdrawn.
Autologic refused to say this week whether they still intended to offer its drivers a new contract in a bid to save money. They also declined to comment on an allegation in one of the letters that Unite’s shop stewards had enjoyed better pay and conditions than other staff.
Instead, a spokesperson said: “With Len McCluskey’s involvement both sides are now confident that a sensible, workable compromise regarding AutoLogic’s transporter drivers’ working practices will be agreed to ensure that the business is viable and competitive in these difficult economic times.”
