More than 400 Greencore employees could receive up to £1.2m from the company through an employment tribunal won by Unite.
The national trade union released a statement this morning explaining the cake and dessert manufacturer had refused to revert back to premium pay rates and enhanced holiday pay, after workers agreed a temporary suspension with the firm back in 2010.
Unite said workers were still awaiting a remedy hearing to determine how much money they will receive, but it has been estimated that the value of claims is around £1.2m.
Jennie Formby, Unite national officer, said: "Unite was not going to allow Greencore to break the law, attack union rights and the terms and conditions of the lowest paid workers in society. Many of these workers had to survive on poverty wages since management changed the terms, then broke their promise even though the Greencore Group is extremely profitable.
“However, this isn’t the end of the matter and our members are now discussing next steps in the union campaign to restore fairness to the contracts of employment that were unilaterally and unfairly changed by Greencore after Unite pledged to mount this legal challenge.”
A spokesperson from Greencore said: “This is an ongoing dispute with the Union regarding premium rates.Greencore acknowledges the recent decision in the tribunal case in this matter. However, it is very important to note that the case has not concluded and, in particular, no specific claim has been agreed or stipulated by the tribunal.
“Further tribunal meetings are scheduled to take place over the next few months to bring the case to conclusion. Until that time, it is far too premature to discuss the union claims.
“We believe that the management has a good dialogue with our colleagues at the Hull facility and our priority continues to focus on securing the long-term sustainability of the site and employment for the area.”
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