Ali Mansfield, Yorkshire Socialist Party
Forklift drivers and machine operators at Ardagh Glass, employed by Lockwood Haulage, have begun all-out strike action. The workers, organised in Unite, have rejected a pay offer of just 1% after three years without any increase in pay, and are asking for 2.5% to keep up with the rising cost of living.
Lockwood management plead poverty, despite the company recently acquiring West Transport Group and purchasing a majority interest in freight company S&R Smith and Son.
Management demands that any pay increase be ‘self-funded’, ie paid for by attacks to terms and conditions. There have been threats to reduce sick pay from 90% to just 45%.
Workers on the picket line complained of management interference since being transferred to Lockwood from their previous employer, GXO, last year in a ‘TUPE’ deal meant to protect terms and conditions.
The workers had to go on strike to win union recognition after Lockwood took over and it’s clear why the bosses didn’t want it. Individual workers have been put under pressure to sign a new contract which would undercut TUPE protections, clearly preparing for further attacks on conditions.
Lockwood management have shown they undervalue the workers’ skill and expertise; this was graphically demonstrated on day two of the strike, when staff they recruited at short notice to cover the strikers’ work dropped multiple pallets loaded up with glass bottles, causing havoc and sending collection lorries away empty-handed.
