Workers continue to fight for furlough deals

Unite says that it has negotiated a deal for British engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce’s global workforce which puts safety first. In March, the company was forced to close its UK civil aerospace facilities in Derby for one week, while continuing to pay its 15,000 workers. [See page 16 for how health and safety has been protected in the deal]

All workers have accepted a 10% pay delay for the year from April 2020, which will be paid back in the year starting April 2021. Others will be put on the government’s job retention scheme which guarantees 80% of pay, with the company paying the rest.

Elsewhere employers are coming under fire for forcing workers to take a pay cut. Greencore, a Northampton-based food manufacturer, is furloughing a number of staff due to a reduction in demand. However it has not agreed to top up the government’s 80% for its low paid workforce.

George Atwall, regional officer for the Bakers Union, said: “The union is asking for 100% pay, which is a 20% top up on the furlough pay. The majority of people who have been furloughed are on minimum wage and shouldn’t be forced to take a pay cut. The union wants clear answers.”

https://unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2020/april/rolls-royce-coronavirus-package-puts-health-safety-centre-stage-says-unite