AROUND 100 workers at a Clarks distribution centre in Somerset walked out this week amid a row over what they claim are 'fire and rehire' tactics at the firm.
The shoemaker has been consulting employees on 'proposed changes to employment terms and conditions', with unions branding the move a 'fire and rehire' scheme, which sees employees told to accept new conditions, or face being sacked.
If they accept them, they are 'rehired' under the new conditions.
Unions say the Clarks scheme would see many workers receive a cut in pay, an increase in working hours, cuts in sick pay and a reduction in redundancy eneitlements, among others.
The firm says the move is to 'achieve sustainable employment costs' and to bring 'fairness' between workers who currently receive different rates of pay.
This week, the Mendip Trades Council came out in solidarity with the striking workers.
Secretary Dave Chapple said: “I have personally met four Clarks workers who fear losing their homes and even lose contact with their children.
"Is this the Clarks Quaker Family firm that was an iconic part of manufacturing, ‘factory’ Britain for 200 years?
"Is this the Clarks family firm that, even when it closed all of its Somerset factories over a 15-year period, nonetheless treated its remaining Street HQ and warehouse workers, and their trades unions, with respect? No.
"Welcome to the 'Brave New World' of Clarks’ new owners Lion Rock Capital. Hong Kong-based, venture capitalist, hedge-fund capitalist, slash-and-burn capitalist, just pick your most accurate label.
“Is this really the future for work in this country: no more decent trades union recognition or collective bargaining negotiations, just industrial dictatorship, 'take it or leave it' 'fire and rehire'?”
A Clarks spokesperson said: "At our Westway Distribution Centre we continue to consult with employees on proposed changes to employment terms and conditions for all operatives.
"It is crucial that Clarks achieves sustainable employment costs, but it is equally fundamental that it achieves fairness between its distribution operatives, where differences in hourly rates of pay currently exist.
"As the consultation process is ongoing, we are disappointed that some employees have voted in favour of industrial action.
"Right from the start Clarks has taken a constructive and collaborative approach, seeking to reach a compromise and avoid the need to terminate contracts on current terms and offer re-engagement on new terms, which the company has always regarded as the very last resort.
"We remain hopeful for a constructive conclusion in due course, based on the significant concessions Clarks has made in respect of its proposal of new terms.
"We can also confirm that the company has contingency plans in place that aim to minimize the impact to our customers as a result of this action."
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