MP welcomes agreement between JDE and Unite Union

Victoria Prentis hopes the agreement provides associates with terms and conditions of employment that they are happy with

Banbury’s MP has welcomed the agreement reached between JDE’s management and the Unite Union.   Victoria Prentis MP says she hopes it will provide associates with terms and conditions of employment that they are happy with, whilst securing the future of the factory.

In her latest blog update Mrs Prentis says she caught up with JDE’s Banbury Plant Director, Rob Williams, on Friday morning.

Mrs Prentis said: “I’m pleased to hear that after two-weeks of meaningful negotiations, an agreement has been reached with Unite. This is a very positive step forward given the uncertainty associates have faced for months.

“I understand that associates have been asked to vote on the proposals through the union’s formal ballot process. The ballot opens on Monday 26 July and will conclude by Friday 6 August. JDE management will run briefings to talk through the terms of the deal and the union committee will also organise drop-in sessions and run the voting process.

“I remain hopeful that this agreement will provide associates with terms and conditions of employment that they are happy with while securing the future of the factory.”

During the coming week Mrs Prentis says she is hoping to meet with the minister for the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Paul Scully.   She says her discussions will include fire and rehire practices and updating the minister on progress at JDE.

The Labour MP Barry Gardiner has presented a Private Members Bill in parliament which aims to legislate against Fire And Rehire practices.   Mr Gardiner launched his campaign outside the JDE factory in June.

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Published: 24/07/2021 10:23am by Banbury FM Newsteam

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