GMB to ask CAC to get Britvic to release document on case for shutting Norwich factory
GMB to ask the Central Arbitration Committee to rule that Britvic must disclose document to union on the management case for shutting the Norwich factory
We are appalled at the contempt that Britvic is showing to their workforce and the Consultative Group Says GMBGMB is making an application to the Central Arbitration Committee to rule that Britvic must disclose documents to the unions on the management case for shutting down the Norwich site.
Britvic have continually refused to allow Union Officials to participate despite repeated requests from the Consultative Group elected to represent the workforce, for their involvement.
Britvic are also refusing to share a critical report that “supports” the closure proposal and has repeatedly refused to provide any financial details to the Consultative Group.
Only now, more than halfway into the “meaningful consultation”, have the Consultative Group been offered access to the information but due to claims regarding commercial confidentiality, they are unable to seek the assistance of their Union Officials in developing properly costed alternative proposals.
Ivan Mercer, GMB Regional Organiser, said,
“GMB is making an application to the Central Arbitration Committee to get them to rule that Britvic must disclose documents to the unions on the management case for shutting down the Norwich site.
“GMB is appalled at the contempt that Britvic is showing to their workforce and the Consultative Group.
“Ignoring the requests of the Consultative Group, excluding Union officials and withholding information only reinforces the perception amongst the community and workforce that this is a sham consultation process.
“If the Company is so confident its business case stacks up then what have they got to hide?
“GMB and Unite are calling on Britvic to come clean and to support the involvement of ACAS in proper talks involving the Unions and its workforce. It is imperative that the Company recognise the importance of the role that ACAS can play in this situation.”
ENDS
Contact:Ivan Mercer 07713 077194
