JCB workers accept pay cuts to keep jobs
News that more than 2,500 JCB workers have accepted pay cuts and agreed to move to a four day week will surely have some UK unions pulling their hair out. This sensible approach to the economic slowdown is the right thing in the long term, and the short term, but it undermines the constant battle between the unions and business.
While the deal was negotiated through the GMB union in order save 350 jobs with the firm, each and every employee will lose in the region of £50 a week but some of this will be made up by short-time working payments. So are we seeing the emergence of a new style of union or is this just common sense after all?
Many people will be shocked to read that the hard line GMB of all unions has caved in to business leaders but in reality they had little choice. Not only are they able to save 350 jobs at the company but they will also retain the full trust and full backing of their members. Whether this move will be repeated by any other union remains to be seen but for many business leaders it is the biggest step in the right direction for years.
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