United in the future
UNION leaders have launched a charter for the future of Northern Rock.
The union Unite - formerly known as Amicus - revealed its charter for Northern Rock and future stakeholders outside the bank’s branch on Northumberland Street in Newcastle.
The six-point charter sets out the union’s expectation for the beleaguered bank’s management and any future stakeholders in the bank. The charter was signed by Unite deputy general secretary Graham Goddard.
He said: “It is vital Unite is recognised as a stakeholder in the future of Northern Rock. Over two months of speculation about the future of Northern Rock has left employees feeling insecure about their jobs.
“Regardless of who owns the bank, Unite expects them to support this employee charter. As well as the protection of employee terms and conditions, Unite is seeking assurances about the long-term security of the Northern Rock Foundation.
“We will be looking for any future stakeholders within Northern Rock to sign up to the Unite charter and to retain the bank as a UK listed company.”
The six points include ensuring the long-term security of employees, protecting and improving terms of employment and promising the existing pension arrangements will be upheld.
Yesterday Northern Rock said its advisers had begun talks with “a number” of interested parties over rescue plans for the business.
The group, which has borrowed an estimated £24bn in emergency funding from the Bank of England, said the discussions were to “clarify” the proposals.
