UK GOV URGED TO BACK SNP BILL TO
PROTECT WORKERS’ INCOMES
SNP MP, Marion Fellows, has called
for the UK Government to back the SNP’s Bill to ban fire and rehire as Tesco looks
to slash Scottish workers’ wages.
Around 290 workers at Tesco’s
Livingston distribution centre are being threatened with pay cuts between
£4,000 and £13,000 by forcing workers to sign a new contract under fire and
rehire practices.
The Livingston depot is one of five
sites across the UK that Tesco are targeting with workers having until the 13th
of February to accept the cuts or face redundancy.
SNP MP, Gavin Newlands, has submitted
two Bills to Parliament to end fire and rehire practices. They have received
the backing of cross-party MP and unions, however the UK government has so far
refused to back the Bills.
Tesco’s profits soared by 29% in the
first half of last year as pre-tax profit reached £551million. Tesco’s revenue
increased by 0.7% to £28.7 billion, and sales in the UK and Ireland were up
more than 8%.
Commenting, Mrs Fellows said:
“Any business considering betraying
their workers through fire and rehire should be utterly ashamed. Especially
during a pandemic and especially a business such as Tesco which has reported
soaring profits. The UK government needs to protect workers by backing the
SNP’s Bill to ban fire and rehire practices.
“The use of fire and rehire at Tesco
is just one of the many cases emerging. Incomes and security are under threat.
By allowing it to continue, the Tory government is putting itself firmly on the
side of millionaires rather than the essential workers making the profits and
serving communities.
“I have joined the calls of unions UsDaw
and Unite for Tesco to withdraw their threats and get round the negotiating
table. These workers have been absolutely essential during the pandemic. They
deserve respect and a pay rise – not a pay cut. If Tesco does not, they are
forcing unions into a corner with no other option than to strike putting supply
chains at risk.”
Willie Thomson, Unite regional
industrial officer, added:
“Unite’s members are shocked, angry
and feel betrayed by Tesco. The workforce has been deemed essential workers
throughout this pandemic and they have worked tirelessly to keep families
across Scotland working as best as they can during this crisis. To be told that
they are facing significant pay cuts and an ultimatum of ‘fire and re-hire’ in
relation to their employment contracts is disgusting.
“Tesco’s actions are not only wrong but it’s an opportunist attack on our members. As a result of our members’ hard work Tesco’s profits have boomed during the pandemic alongside government rates relief which has further cushioned the company’s profits. Tesco must withdraw this ultimatum and come to the negotiating table, or we will have to explore all options if the company doesn’t willingly come to its senses.”