Thomas Swan has cancelled Christmas for workers, says GMB Union.
A ‘Grinch’ Durham chemical company cancelled workers’ Christmas holidays after they voted for strike action.
Almost 100 GMB members at Thomas Swan, in Consett, have overwhelmingly voted to take industrial action over a real terms pay cut.
The company has now cancelled all pre-booked holidays over the Christmas period.
Five 24-hour strikes will take place on 30 Nov, Dec 7, 14 and 21 and 4 Jan.
A revised offer of 5.1 per cent – capped at £1,000, meaning the vast majority of the workforce would get even less – was overwhelmingly rejected.
Laura Maughan, GMB Organiser, comments on the implications of cancelling Christmas:
“GMB members at Thomas Swan worked tirelessly through the pandemic, placing their loved ones at risk, in dedication to the company.
“Instead of showing respect to their employees for their hard work, Thomas Swan has resorted to Grinch tactics – cancelling all pre-booked holidays over the festive period.
“This means workers will not be able to spend time with their loved ones – many of them have young children they will no longer see during the holidays.
“Thomas Swan has stolen Christmas.
“GMB urges Thomas Swan to negotiate and reach an amicable resolution. Our door remains open for such talks to take place to end this dispute.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
