Marks And Spencer Gets Tough
As we reported recently, plans by Marks and Spencer to reduce the amount of redundancy money which they would need to pay employees were leaked to the general press a couple of weeks ago. While the group has not denied looking to reduce the 'generous' terms the company has located the so called 'whistleblower' and sacked the IT technician in question. However the Unions are not taking this lying down!
The GMB Union has already confirmed that they will be balloting members with regards to strike action in support of their former colleague but whether Marks and Spencer will changes its mind remains to be seen. After all, the employee was found guilty of gross misconduct by the very fact that he circulated highly confidential information to outside parties. But did he have an obligation or a right to back his fellow workers?
While the Union has accused the company of corporate bullying we seem to be heading towards industrial action in the short to medium term. Could Marks and Spencer afford industrial action over the peak Christmas period? Can they afford to give in?
For many years Marks and Spencer has been the more friendly face of the high street but after the groups own troubles it seems that the time to get down to business has arrived.
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