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Notices of dismissal and re-engagement issued at JDE
02/06/2021
JDE: “We are very disappointed that it has come to this stage, but change is desperately needed to secure a future for the factory”
Notices of dismissal and re-engagement have this morning been issued to staff at JDE’s Banbury coffee factory. The move comes after talks between JDE’s management and Unite Union members failed to make any progress and follows the conclusion of an internal consultation process.
The company says it is “very disappointed” to have reached this stage but says it must make changes because the Banbury factory is 20 to 40% more expensive than other JDE factories in Europe.
Under the new conditions some JDE staff will be required to work new hours which the company acknowledges “will be a difficult adjustment for some”. They say they believe their offer is fair as half of the affected associates will be, on average, £4,000 better off.
The moves comes after a long period of consultation with staff over the proposed changes. Union members have undertaken a number of strikes including a three-day walk out last week. An overtime ban has been in place since May 1.
It is understood a number of associates have already signed up to the new terms and conditions, although specific numbers cannot be made available publicly. The remaining associates have been issued with a notice of 12 weeks duration which becomes effective on Monday (June 7). The new terms and conditions will come into force on August 30 with current contracts becoming void.
The company says it wants to be in Banbury and wants to secure local jobs. They say there is a role for everyone.
A JDE UK spokesperson said: “Over the past five months we have repeatedly tried to negotiate with the union on changes to working practices at our factory in Banbury. They have been unwilling to discuss the terms of the proposals or provide any viable suggestions to modernise.
“As a result, we have been left with no choice but to issue notices of dismissal and re-engagement to those associates who have not voluntarily signed up to the new terms through individual consultation.
“We are very disappointed that it has come to this stage, but change is desperately needed to secure a future for the factory which is 20-40% more expensive than other JDE factories in Europe. The changes involve bringing our shift patterns in line with industry best practice which we have benchmarked both internally and externally.
“We recognise the changes will mean some associates will be required to work new hours which will be a difficult adjustment for some. However, we believe our offer is fair as half of affected associates will be £4,000 better off on average and those who are financially impacted will receive compensation. We have also ensured that our remuneration offer will be above the industry average following the changes.
“The door has always been and remains open for negotiation. We ask all involved to consider the proposals to reach an agreement that secures a future for the factory.”
Banbury FM is awaiting a statement from the Unite Union.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam