McVitie’s staff hit out at terms of redundancy
They say firm’s proposal will penalise younger workers
MCVITIE’S workers have hit out at “unacceptable” redundancy terms offered by bosses that appear to penalise younger members of staff.
Owners Pladis confirmed earlier this month that it will close its biscuit factory in Tollcross, Glasgow, next year, with more than 400 jobs set to be lost.
Unions are now locked in negotiations with managers over redundancy payouts after the company ignored repeated calls to keep the factory open.
But the first offer tabled by Pladis was angrily rejected this week over claims it would see workers miss out on being rewarded for years of service. Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said: “We can confirm that McVitie’s, while continuing with the process of redundancy, have offered an unacceptable redundancy package if this situation comes to fruition.
“The company in our discussions so far has offered two weeks’ pay for each year of service up to and including the age of 40, and for those aged 41 and over, three weeks’ pay.
“There is also a proposed cap for all employees younger than 50 at the point of redundancy where there is a proposed cap, which will be equivalent to 12 months’ salary.
“For those aged 50 or older, the proposed cap will be set at 18 months’ salary. This means decades of service will not be taken into consideration which is completely unacceptable and it has enraged the workforce.”
A GMB spokesman said: “Initial proposals tabled by the employer were totally unacceptable and rejected by union representatives.”
A Pladis spokesman said: “No final decisions have been made. We will continue to engage with employees.”