UNDERTAKERS ARE HIT WITH £10k PAY CUTS
Workers’ fury over Co-op Funeralcare shake-up
UNDERTAKERS working for Co-op Funeralcare in Scotland face redundancy or wage cuts.
The shake-up affects about 200 Scots staff.
According to one funeral director, who asked not to be named, consultations have been carried out to inform workers of the changes.
He said: “Some staff who have been here for years are going to lose between £7000 and £10,000 a year.
“Our union Usadaw have basically told us to roll over and accept it.
“A redundancy package is to be offered and they will be taking away certain job titles. Staff will need to apply for new roles. They are demoting people but are dressing it up and saying it’s restructuring.”
The source said a new night service would be introduced with bodies taken to a mortuary hub rather than local funeral parlours.
He added: “There will be two guys covering the entire west of Scotland at night.”
Staff are set to be balloted on the proposals.
Co-op Funeralcare bosses said they were consulting with about 200 Scots workers but were unable to say how many redundancies there might be. They added that up to 70 new roles will be introduced.
They said: “We are making a number of proposed changes. Where there is an impact to colleagues, we are consulting with them directly and via our recognised trade union.”
Usdaw’s John Gorle added: “Our priorities through the process are to save jobs, keep staff employed within the business and get the best deal for our members.”