Clarks staff could walk out over ‘fire and rehire’

UNION bosses have warned that all staff at Somerset-based shoe giant Clarks could walk out over a proposal to ‘fire and rehire’ some staff.

Unite said that strike action is being considered by the workforce at Street, where Clarks was founded in 1825.

The shoe firm, which was bought by private equity giant LionRock Capital earlier this year, had been in the Clark family ownership for 196 years.

Unite said 200 of its members at headquarters and more than 100 warehouse staff, who are members of the Community Union, are considering strike action.

It said it follows staff being told they will be ‘fired’ from their old employment contracts and ‘rehired’ onto new inferior ones.

Unite said that it will work with Community to stop the fire and rehire attacks, including coordinating any potential strike action.

Under the proposals put forward by Clarks, the union said staff would see reductions in overtime rates, sick pay, parental leave, redundancy packages and call out pay.

Unite regional officer Gareth Lowe said: “Our members are rightly angry at the employer’s threats to fire and rehire which will cause a dramatic fall in their terms and conditions.

“The strength of feeling amongst staff is such that Unite will hold a consultative ballot over whether to take strike action.

“Unite will work alongside Community to fight these attacks and Clarks should be aware that if strike action is coordinated the company’s entire operations in Street will come to a halt.

“We urge Clarks to drop its unnecessary plans to hack at the terms and conditions of its loyal and dedicated staff.”

Last week a company spokesman said: “Clarks is currently consulting with unions and employees at our Westway Distribution Centre in Street, Somerset, on proposed changes to employment terms and conditions for all operatives.

“As we are in a period of consultation, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”

> Clarks HQ, Somerset