British labour body, Unite is urging Michelin to minimise short-time working at its Stoke factory in the UK for some employees, who work in the manufacture of re-treaded truck tyres.
The staff – on variable hours contracts (VHC) – will see fewer shifts available for three months from February to April this year.
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Unite estimates for personnel on Michelin’s VHC contracts (a guaranteed part time contract where staff are usually full time), the short time working will mean workers could receive GBP400 (US$522) less a month, although this has not been confirmed.
“The announcement is clearly disappointing and has come as a surprise,” said Unite Michelin Stoke convenor, Robert Taylor.
“Unite has been assured this is a temporary situation and it will not affect the long-term future of the site and there will be no job losses.”
The temporary change in shift working is a result of a fall in demand in the first part of the year, with Michelin noting it would introduce “agreed flexibility” procedures for employees working in the manufacture of re-treaded tyres at the Stoke plant.
“Unfortunately this means some employees on variable hours contracts will have reduced hours and income for February, March and April,” added Michelin Stoke factory manager, Francois Levert in comments sent to just-auto.
“The exact number of employees affected is yet to be confirmed. We are working with employees and the union to minimise the impact this will have. Production volumes are expected to rise later in the year.”
For his part, Unite national officer, Tony Devlin noted: “This is clearly bad news for workers who are by no means wealthy. Unite will be working with Michelin to minimise the effects of the short time working in order to lessen the financial blow for the affected workers.
“The announcement underlines the challenging trading environment faced throughout the UK tyre industry and demonstrates why it is vital the government develops a coherent industrial strategy to protect jobs and skills in this important industry.”
