GMB call on F.P. Herting & Son plc to improve following contract breach allegations

GMB call on F.P. Herting & Son plc to improve employment practices following numerous allegations of contract breaches

These employees have built this company up to what it is today and to have had their bonuses, overtime, break time and wages stolen from them is a disgrace, says GMB London

GMB, the union for employees at F.P. Herting & Son plc, in Southall, West London, are calling on the company to improve its practices towards its 133 employees following a number of allegations from GMB members that they breached the terms and conditions of their employee’s contracts.

An employment tribunal in Watford has been told of a number of allegations of breached contract that include:

• Employees being asked to sign illegal opt outs for the 48-hour maximum working time, and the employers fail to upload tachograph driver cards, that store drivers daily journey information, to avoid raising any alarms to this activity. They have also failed to allow the full uninterrupted 11-hour rest period legally required between shifts.
• The company failing to undertake disciplinary procedure before imposing penalties and have withheld money from salary without consent or knowledge. The company also failing to undertake legal procedure when a formal grievance procedure is requested to be opened.
• Other accusations include the failure to inform in writing changes to the structure of pay and bonus conditions, and refusal to pay overtime at the amounts stipulated in the terms and conditions of the employee’s contracts.

Trevlyn McLeod, GMB Regional Officer said:

“I find it shocking that in 2018 you have an employer that treats people, some of whom have worked for the company for over 20 years, this badly.

“These employees have built this company up to what it is today and to have had their bonuses, overtime, break time and wages stolen from them is a disgrace.

“All the while, the Herting family of father, mother and two sons, who have links to Brentford Football Club, took home over £2 million pounds between them last year.

“People have been scared, bullied and forced into signing new contracts which are not favourable to them at all, after their old contract have been breached over and over again without them knowing it.”

ENDS

Contact: Trevlyn McLeod 07968 137 967 or GMB Press Office 07970 114 762