BID TO UNIONISE FACTORY

UNITE has launched a campaign to unionise the REHAU plastics factory in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The union said this would give workers a stronger, more effective voice and they will mail Blaenau residents this week as part of their community campaign.

It said the fact workers went to the media to voice concerns in the first wave of the pandemic shows the need for a union presence for staff to raise issues.

REHAU said it has always had “very positive relations” with its workers.

Unite said: “The aim of the latest leaflet, which is to land on Blaenau residents’ doormats this week, is to show that workers in unionised workplaces on average are better paid, thereby helping to boost local economic conditions.

“Unionised workplaces are also safer workplaces overall, providing a safer environment at work and improving working conditions in local communities.

“Whilst REHAU local management in Blaenau do not recognise a union, REHAU, the company, do recognise collective bargaining arrangements with unions in other countries such as Germany.”

In response, Gary Simmonds, plant director at REHAU UK, said: “In over 40 years of operation in Blaenau, we have always had very positive relations with our colleagues that work there.

“Throughout that time, our main priority has always been the safety of everyone on the site. Over the past year we have worked extensively to develop our 12-point Safe Site plan which enabled us to re-open the site back in June and protect workers against coronavirus.

“We also continuously monitor the health and wellbeing of our employees across the business.

“Against a challenging economic climate, we are currently seeing an increase in demand for products, so being able to operate safely at this time has meant the Blaenau Plant is also highly successful. Despite the impact that the pandemic and Brexit have had on businesses, we remain committed to the site and have recently agreed significant investment in new production facilities.”