Remploy staff hold off industrial action
WORKERS at factories employing disabled people will not go on strike, despite a unanimous vote for industrial action, it was revealed today.
Up to 140 workers at Remploy factories in Alberto Street, Stockton and Oakesway Business, Hartlepool voted for strike action, along with 41 other factories.
But the positive moves made at last week’s Labour Conference in Bournemouth led to trade unions delaying industrial action.
Val Scott, GMB regional organiser for the North-east said: “We have decided not to use the positive vote on industrial action that has been achieved in response to the Government’s pledge to put things right.”
The Bournemouth conference heard a passionate plea from Paul Kenny, General Secretary of the GMB that Remploy factories threatened with closure should remain open and more Government work given to the sites.
Mr Kenny criticised the management of Remploy claiming they had not done enough to win new contracts.
Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain announced controversial plans to close 43 Remploy factories across the UK would be delayed, and assured workers there would be no compulsory redundancies.
“I have also made clear to Remploy management that no factory closures will take place without the agreement of Government ministers,” he said.
“Both unions and management agree that winning more public procurement is crucial, using European procurement rules to bring reliable, good quality public contracts into supported factories and businesses and I am working with my Cabinet colleagues to address this.”
