‘Positive step’ at Grangemouth

Unions have hailed a “positive step forward” in employment relations at the Ineos petrochemical company, which was at the centre of a vitriolic dispute at its Grangemouth plant a year ago.

The Unite general union has signed a new agreement with the company which gives the union access to new starters at the company from 1 January to ask if they want to join.

The agreement also sees Ineos reintroduce the check-off system which allows employees to pay their Unite membership fees direct from their monthly pay packet.

Both are measures seen by unions as fostering strong union organisation and healthy industrial relations.

Jim Mowatt, Unite’s national lead negotiator for Ineos, said: “This agreement ensures that the workforce continues to have an independent voice and once again gives new starters the opportunity to access the benefits, facilities and protections which Unite provides from day one.”

http://unitelive.org/positive-step-forward