MP launches bill to outlaw fire and rehire in Banbury

Barry Gardiner MP to JDE workers: “We’re here to support you.   Keep going.   Keep at it.   We can win this.”

The Labour MP Barry Gardiner has been in Banbury to launch his Private Members Bill to legislate against Fire And Rehire practices.  The MP for Brent North will be presenting the bill in parliament on Wednesday.

Mr Gardiner began his campaign outside the JDE factory on Ruscote Avenue this afternoon.  The management at JDE and Unite Union members are currently locked in a dispute over the company’s issuing of notices of dismissal and re-engagement.

Mr Gardiner told Banbury FM he was in town to support JDE’s workers.   He said: “What is happening to them is wrong.   My bill in parliament is about stopping people being able to be fired and being told ‘you’re out, unless you accept lower wages and lower terms and conditions’.  

“That’s wrong.   Its happening up and down this country with companies like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, British Gas and Argos.   We need to stop it.   Our bill will do that.”

A large group of people gathered to hear Mr Gardiner launch his bill, which he described as proposed legislation to give workers hope.   The MP said he already had support from over 100 other MPs from all parties, but urged people to show their support via his website stopfireandrehire.org and by contacting their local MP and urging them to commit to offering support.

Mr Gardiner told the JDE workers that he thought they were fantastic.   He said: “You are showing solidarity not only with your colleagues here, but all across the country.  We’re here to support you.   Keep going.   Keep at it.   We can win this.”

You can listen to our interview with Barry Gardiner MP here:

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Published: 14/06/2021 04:41pm by Banbury FM Newsteam

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