The union of an engineering giant are threatening strike action after plans to ‘fire and rehire’ 130 workers were announced.
Unite the union said Wabtec in Birkenhead unveiled plans to ‘fire and rehire’ staff on "inferior" pay and conditions.
The union said Wabtec, manufactures products for locomotives, freight cars and passenger transit vehicles, has issued a notice outlining its plans which would see dismissals in June.
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The company is reportedly proposing to reduce rest breaks, and also remove elements of washing time, that the workers have had in place for years.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "We will not let these plans at the profitable Wabtec site stand and our members have Unite’s full support for any steps they take to defend their jobs.
"Wabtec’s management must understand that Unite has always fought back against ‘fire and rehire’ and we are fully prepared to do so again here.
“We call on the company to withdraw these threats immediately or face industrial action. This attack on our members’ terms and conditions is completely unacceptable.”
Unite said its members at the site would proceed to a strike ballot unless the management withdrew the proposals that would affect 130 Unite members employed in various roles, such as assembly fitters, trainers, strip and clean operatives, storemen and team leaders.
Unite regional officer Steve Gerrard added: "We have arranged a meeting with our members for Wednesday (23 February).
"Our elected shop stewards have explained that there is a real depth of anger at the management’s behaviour, given all the hard work that our members did during the pandemic."
Wabtec has been approached for comment but had not responded at time of publication.
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