Compulsory Christmas working plan is thwarted

Electricians and engineers at Jacob’s Bakery in Liverpool have successfully rebuffed plans to force them into working over the festive season.

The Unite general union’s members at the cream cracker factory were balloted for industrial action last month, in response to new working practices which included compulsory Christmas working. The union accused managers of abandoning its policy of voluntary flexible shifts, which had been sufficient to ensure maintenance cover at the plant in previous years, without consultation or notice.

Faced with the threat of a strike, Jacob’s agreed to a compromise involving shifts that were acceptable to the 50 workers.

“The issue has been agreed amicably,” said Unite regional officer Debbie Brannan. “We look forward to continued joint working next year as we see further investments in recruitment and apprenticeships at the company.”